Our Board and CEO
Emily Ryder
Chair
Director since 2019.
Appointed Chair 2021.
Appointed Chair 2021.

A mother of four who has lived in Australia since 2011, Emily combines her extensive senior executive experience with her commitment to Refuge Victoria's mission. As Board Chair, Emily's focus on evidence-based practices and data-driven decisions is evident, reflecting her current role as Chief Analytics Officer at St John of God Healthcare and 25 years in the Health Data and IT sectors. Emily's background spans health, government, and business sectors in both Australia and the UK. She spent 10+ years as Management Consultant at EY and KPMG, followed by General Manager roles at Medibank and Bupa. Emily has fostered a culture of inclusion and talent development throughout her career. Her academic achievements include degrees in Law and Registered Nursing, and she is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Emily’s dedication to Refuge Victoria's mission ensures the organisation meets the needs of those affected by family violence, while her role at St John of God Healthcare underscores her commitment to evidence-based practices, aligning her experience with Refuge Victoria's vision.

Bridget Thakrar
Acting Deputy Chair
Appointed Acting Deputy Chair May 2023.
Director since 2021.
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Director since 2021.