ReachOut boosts board with two new Directors ahead of next growth stage

14 January 2025

Leading digital youth mental health organisation, ReachOut, is excited to announce the appointment of two new Board Directors. 

These appointments are pivotal in ReachOut’s journey as the organisation strengthens its foundations in preparation for future growth and innovation. They will play a critical role in shaping ReachOut’s strategic direction, ensuring the organisation continues to deepen its impact. 

Joining the Board is Sam Franklin, Managing Director at EQT Partners in the APAC Infrastructure investment team. Franklin has proven expertise in private equity and infrastructure investments across ANZ, Asia and Europe. He has extensive board experience and a wealth of knowledge in corporate governance, financial management and strategic decision-making. 

Kelly Head, Company Secretary for Sydney Airport, has also joined the board. Head has spent the last 15 years of her career in the financial services industry in Sydney and London. As a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she has deep experience in corporate governance. 

Board Chair, Michael Gonski, welcomes the incoming Board Directors. 

“ReachOut is at an exciting stage in its journey. We’re well-positioned for growth and having Kelly and Sam join the Board will ensure future sustainability and success. We need the insights and experiences of people like Sam and Kelly to guide our decision-making. We’re excited to have them onboard.”

This announcement comes as Brendan Thomas and Tiara De Silva conclude their term on the ReachOut Board.

Gonski thanked Thomas and De Silva for their time and contribution to youth mental health and wellbeing. 

“Brendan made a significant contribution to ReachOut’s strategic direction. He helped ReachOut navigate key issues, such as the Voice to Parliament Referendum and his expertise guided the development and growth of our PeerChat service. His contributions will have a lasting impact.  

“Tiara was ReachOut’s first youth Board Director. Tiara has always been a strong advocate for amplifying youth voices, from beginning her journey as a ReachOut Youth Ambassador to joining the Board in 2023.”

The ReachOut Board is committed to ensuring young people have a strong voice. With this in mind, ReachOut is partnering with The Observership Program to offer young people the opportunity to join a structured program, designed to provide invaluable real-life experience and mentorship. 

Incoming

• Sam Franklin, Managing Director at EQT Partners

• Kelly Head, Company Secretary, Sydney Airport

Outgoing

• Brendan Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, AUSTRAC 

• Tiara De Silva, Support Officer, Australian Human Rights Commission 

For more information on the incoming Board Directors please see here: https://about.au.reachout.com/our-team/board-of-directors