Amaze appoints new CEO Jim Mullan

Jim Mullan has been appointed as CEO of autism peak body Amaze. Mr Mullan is a highly experienced CEO from the social sector, who has successfully led autistic staff in several settings.

Mr Mullan has been a senior manager of not-for-profit organisations for 17 years, serving as CEO of SecondBite from 2016 to 2021. Under his leadership the organisation was expanded nationally to become Australia’s largest food rescue organisation, developing for it a very robust support base amongst major corporations, leading philanthropic trusts, and private donors. 

Prior to his role with SecondBite, Mr Mullan was CEO of The Big Issue UK (2014-15) and General Manager of Kibbleworks, Scotland’s leading care and education provider for marginalised and traumatised youth (2004-2014).

Mr Mullan was educated in Scotland and has served as an advisor to the Federal, Victorian and WA Governments during the COVID-19 pandemic on food relief. He has been a regular speaker and lecturer on social enterprise, including at the University of Central Queensland (Melbourne Campus), which awarded him an honorary Doctor of the University degree for services to social enterprise and the community in 2018.

Professor Warren Bebbington, Chair of Amaze, said the Board was very pleased to have engaged such a seasoned not-for-profit CEO who has proven to be a powerful advocate, focusing the mission, improving performance, and greatly expanding the financial support in any organisation he has led.

“He brings a wonderful understanding of autism, both in his success in employing and leading autistic staff over the years and also from his personal experience supporting an autistic family member,” Professor Bebbington said. 

Mr Mullan said he is thrilled to be joining Amaze, especially during such an exciting time with Amaze’s recent launch of national autism helpline: Autism Connect.

“The creation of new and meaningful opportunities for autistic people is a pursuit that is close to my heart,” he added. 

“I’m delighted to be joining the team at Amaze and look forward to working with colleagues and partners on the further development of our shared mission to improve outcomes and support the aspirations of the autistic community.”

Professor Bebbington also paid tribute to outgoing CEO Fiona Sharkie who served Amaze for seven years with “outstanding work and dedication”.