MS - ACT/NSW/VIC
MS AUSTRALIA | QLD | SA & NT | TAS | WA | MS RESEARCH  

Multiple Sclerosis Limited (MSL) Executive Management Team

MSL’s Executive Management Team have a broad mix of skills and experience with over 180 years collective management experience.

Executive Team members

Ken Sharpe
Robyn Hunter
Andrew Long
Paul Towers
Michael Beilby
Ann Lehmann
Neil Harbottle


Ken Sharpe

Following the resignation of Bill Younger from the CEO position in February 2011, Ken Sharpe was appointed as acting CEO. Details of the new CEO will be posted here when they are finalised.

Ken was appointed Head of Corporate Services in November 2008 and was charged with the responsibility of initially leading the development of the ONE MSL organisational change program. As part of that program he was responsible for developing the Corporate Services Portfolio.

He brings to the organisation over 30 years experience working at senior management level in both large and mid size corporations and has a strong background in the full range of corporate activities. Over the last 15 years Ken has been predominantly engaged in organisational redesign, aimed at improving both capability and business performance.

Corporate Services provides vital support and direction for other MSL business units and covers a broad range of functions including Finance, Human resources, IT, Media and Communications, Information Services and Enterprises Business which includes the MS Shops.

Following Ken’s last corporate appointment, he seized the opportunity to apply his skills in the not-for-profit sector and assist in transforming MSL to its next stage of evolution which will position it to support and minimise the impact of multiple sclerosis on people with MS, their family and carers, and most importantly continue to seek a cure.

Robyn Hunter

Robyn was appointed into the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer in March 2011. Robyn’s appointment marks a renewed commitment to focus on improving the services we provide for our clients and ensuring consistent outcomes to all people with MS, regardless of where they might live.

Robyn’s 20+ years in the health sector began as a clinical physiotherapist in rehabilitation, and she has an understanding of the challenges faced by people with MS, including family experience of the disease. Robyn has experience providing home and hospital-based rehabilitation services in Australia and overseas before moving into senior management roles in private sector health and private health insurance. Her significant achievements in that field include managing Medibank Private’s preparation for privatisation and holding senior executive roles responsible for operational management, corporate strategy and planning and health services strategy and purchasing.

Robyn has an MBA, and her many community interests include holding the position of Director/Deputy Chair of AQA Victoria, a not for profit organisation offering support services to people with disability.

Andrew Long, B. Comm. (Accounting and Law), IIA (member), FCSA, FAICD, CPA Member

Andrew Long joined MS Australia in June 2007 and was appointed Company Secretary for Multiple Sclerosis Limited (MS Australia - ACT/NSW/VIC), Multiple Sclerosis Australia, Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia and Australian Home Care Services.

Andrew has over 25 years experience, primarily in the accounting, banking, trustee and finance sectors, in senior management roles including Company Secretary for Bendigo Bank Group. His areas of expertise include corporate governance, capital raising, risk based reporting and compliance structures.

As Company Secretary he is responsible for convening Directors’ meetings, preparing agendas & coordination of supporting documentation, recording minutes of such meetings and advising Directors on legislation and other developments affecting their responsibilities. As Secretary, he is responsible for ensuring that the register of members is properly and efficiently maintained, coordinating member activities including arrangements for members’ meetings, proxy preparation, member communications and distribution of reports to members.

He is also Company Secretary for the Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal (FRRR) and independent audit committee member for the International Fiber Centre.

Through past personal experience, Andrew has had involvement in a wide range of initiatives including the development and management of philanthropic trusts and foundations. Andrew’s passion is to work with organisations such as MS Australia who make a difference and to encourage others to support these causes with the outcomes of building stronger Australian communities.

Paul Towers

Paul Towers commenced his role as Head of Funding and Fundraising with MSL in November 2009. He is commissioned with ensuring that MSL has a single point of accountability for its governmental and fundraising income.

He brings with him over 17 years experience at senior management level throughout the commercial financial sector. Formerly the General Manager of a globally recognised Fortune 500, S&P rated financier, he has worked with a suite of multinational organisations providing solutions and advice in relation to organisational sustainability.

As Head of Funding and Funding, Paul is responsible for creating a sustainable funding model for MSL which aligns with the organisational strategic plan, ensuring that both its current and future funding streams deliver the financial sustainability required to achieve our strategic objectives.

Following a lengthy commercial career, Paul joined MSL seeking to apply his expertise to a not-for-profit organisation whose imperative is to demonstrably benefit individuals, and is not driven by profits alone.

Michael Beilby, FAIM

Michael was appointed as Regional General Manager – North in April, 2010. In his role, he is responsible for leadership and management in the delivery of services to people with MS in the Northern region. These services include direct client services, together with funding and fundraising programs and opportunities.

He has over 20 years experience working at senior management level in a wide range of organisations, including GM in an environmental consulting firm, CEO in a Law firm, GM of a Sydney Council and RGM in a multinational IT company.

Michael has had a continuing interest in issues affecting people with multiple sclerosis, since meeting a person with MS many years ago. More recently he has experienced some of the challenges faced by people with MS through the experiences of a close friend.

Ann Lehmann

Ann joined MSL in November 2009 as Manager of Community Services for the ACT and Southern NSW region. Prior to that, she had 14 years of experience in managing regional family support services, in addition to experience in disability services in rural areas of NSW. She has a strong interest in collaborative community engagement.

Ann was promoted to the position of Regional Manager - Central for the ACT and Southern NSW region in July 2011 and is responsible for the delivery of services for people affected by MS, government and community partnerships across the region.