The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) is pleased to announce that Darren Turner and Kristie Atkins have been formally ratified as the new Chair and Deputy Chair of the Board. The appointments come as outgoing Chair Kyle Loades prepares to complete his tenure, following over a decade of service.
Commencing from 1 January 2026, Darren Turner will succeed Kyle Loades as Chair, while Kristie Atkins will take on the role of Deputy Chair, working closely with Darren and the Board to guide HMRI’s strategic direction.
“It’s a privilege to step into the role of Chair of HMRI,” Mr Turner said. “I look forward to building on Kyle Loades’ legacy by guiding the Institute to continually realise our extraordinary potential for world-class research and its beneficial impact on the health and wellbeing of our northern NSW communities and beyond. I’m fortunate to work alongside a talented Board, executive team, and staff, and I warmly congratulate Kristie Atkins on her appointment as Deputy Chair, bringing invaluable commercial expertise and community leadership to HMRI’s next chapter.”
Darren Turner is a widely respected company director and business leader, bringing more than 40 years of experience across accounting, governance, and strategic advisory roles. He is known for his pragmatic leadership, community focus, and ability to guide organisations through growth and transformation.
He joined the HMRI Board as a Non-Executive Director in 2021 and currently chairs the Audit and Risk Committee. A former Partner at PwC, Darren holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Newcastle, is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants ANZ, and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Kristie Atkins is an award-winning business growth and commercial leader with extensive experience in marketing, strategy, and customer acquisition. Named Entrepreneur of the Year (B&T Women In Media) and Australasia’s Certified Practising Marketer of the Year, she is Managing Director of international award-winning customer acquisition and retention business, Wink, and Chair of the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI). Kristie joined the HMRI Board as Non-Executive Director in 2022 and chairs the HMRI Foundation.
“There are exciting opportunities ahead,” Ms Atkins said. “I’m focused on working with Darren and the team to grow funding for and awareness of HMRI. Together, we will improve the lives of our families, friends, and communities.”
Professor Frances Kay, HMRI’s CEO and Institute Director, acknowledged Mr Loades’ contributions and welcomed the incoming leadership team.
“On behalf of everyone at HMRI, I want to thank Kyle for his exceptional leadership and belief in what we do,” said Professor Kay. “During his time as Chair, HMRI has grown significantly, our revenue has more than doubled, our team has nearly tripled, and philanthropic support has reached record levels. His leadership has strengthened HMRI and expanded our impact across the communities we serve. We’re deeply grateful for his contribution and look forward to building on that legacy with Darren and Kristie.”
Reflecting on his time as Chair, Kyle said, “Serving HMRI in this role has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s been a privilege to see firsthand the difference we’ve made in improving the health and wellbeing of our communities. I extend my sincere gratitude to our Board members, staff, research affiliates, donors, the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Local Health District, and our wonderful communities across the Hunter New England region. I’m confident that under Darren and Kristie’s leadership, HMRI is well positioned for continued growth and impact.”
The Board, Executive, and entire HMRI team warmly welcome Darren and Kristie and look forward to working together as the Institute moves into its next chapter.
