Former Westpac boss joins not-for-profit

APS chairman and founder Chris Cuffe said Ms Kelly brings a powerful blend of business expertise and philanthropic passion that will make her a valuable addition to the board.

“Gail has been a role model to many and it is exciting that she is bringing her influence to the charitable sector,” Mr Cuffe said.

Australian Philanthropic Services was set up by Chris Cuffe five years ago to inspire and support people to get involved in giving. APS sets up and administers private ancillary funds (PAFs) and provides guidance and support about how to give money away effectively. It also offers a public ancillary fund, the Australian Philanthropic Service Foundation, in which people can open a named sub-fund.

Since its inception in 2012, APS has grown to become the largest provider of PAF services in Australia and now sets up more than 30 per cent of all such structures each year.

Ms Kelly said she believes in the power of philanthropy “to make a difference in the world”.

“APS has played a powerful role in removing the barriers to effective giving, making philanthropy easier and more rewarding. I am delighted to join its board,” she said.

Ms Kelly served as the group CEO and managing director of St.George Bank from 2002 to 2007 and Westpac from 2008 to 2015.

In 2008, two banks came together under Ms Kelly’s leadership in what was at that time the largest in-market merger in Australian financial services.

At APS she will join a board of directors whose other members include Chris Cuffe (chairman), David Gonski AC, Belinda Hutchinson AM, Timothy Fairfax AC, Dan Phillips, Jan Swinhoe, David Ward and Michael Traill AM.