Lutheran Care is pleased to announce the appointment of Ian Byrne as our new Chief Executive Officer, commencing 12 January 2026. 

Mr Byrne joins Lutheran Care after more than a decade with AnglicareSA, where he most recently served as Executive General Manager, Disability and Wellbeing, overseeing all NDIS, Disability and Allied Health services. With over 25 years of senior and executive leadership experience across aged care, health, disability, community services, and financial services, Ian brings a deep understanding of complex human services environments and a demonstrated commitment to people and purpose. He also serves as a Board Member of Brain Injury SA. 

Mr Byrne holds qualifications from Deakin University and the University of South Australia and has undertaken further study at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School. He is a Certified Practising Marketer, a Fellow of the Australian Marketing Institute, and a member of the Australian Institute of For Purpose Leaders. With a strong foundation in marketing, communications, and operational leadership, Mr Byrne is widely regarded for his values-based leadership and people-centred approach. 

Board Chair Sylvia Andersons said the Board is delighted to welcome Ian into the role. 

“Ian is an authentic, values-driven leader whose commitment to people is unmistakable. He brings significant strategic capability combined with a grounded understanding of what it means to serve communities with dignity, compassion and respect,” Ms Andersons said. 

“Lutheran Care is entering an important new phase and we are confident Ian will lead with clarity and heart, honouring the path of our late CEO, Rohan Feegrade, while guiding Lutheran Care into its next chapter.” 

Speaking about his appointment, Ian said he was inspired by Lutheran Care’s unwavering focus on purpose and people at the heart of its work. 

“What drew me in was Lutheran Care’s clarity of purpose,” Ian said. 

“In our sector, strategy to action has meaning when it is anchored in people: those we walk alongside, and those doing the walking.”  

“Keeping people at the centre of every decision is not a philosophy, it’s a responsibility.” 

Reflecting on stepping into the role following the passing of our former CEO Rohan Feegrade, Ian shared: 

“Stepping into this role to lead Lutheran Care at this time in its history is a genuine privilege. Rohan was someone I deeply respected, and I feel immense gratitude to work alongside a team who profoundly change people’s lives every day,” Ian said.  

“I will strive to continue that legacy in a way that is authentic to who I am and is consistent with our values.” 

With a genuine commitment to people and purpose, Ian’s leadership is guided by a simple principle: “I believe people remember how leaders make them feel, and that impact must be real and authentic to who I am,” Ian said. 

Mr Byrne’s leadership approach aligns closely with Lutheran Care’s values and future direction. He emphasises the importance of measuring and demonstrating meaningful impact to ensure the organisation remains strong, sustainable and responsive in a rapidly evolving sector. 

Mr Byrne has longstanding ties to Lutheran communities, having had his children attend Concordia College, where he also served as Chairperson of the Concordia International Service Foundation. Outside of work, he is an avid Adelaide Crows supporter and enjoys spending time in two of his favourite places: Ikara–Flinders Ranges National Park and Kakadu National Park.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Please contact Lutheran Care Head of Public Relations, Katrina Ranford, on 0420786782 or kranford@lutherancare.org.au