Paul Bird

Paul Bird is a Board Member of the Aspen Medical Foundation and CEO of Brainwave Australia. He has spent more than 30 years working across Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, leading organisations through change, complexity and crisis in both the corporate and for-purpose sectors.

Paul’s career has included senior roles at The Body Shop, Australian Volunteers International, Mission Australia Victoria, Very Special Kids and YSAS. He has also served as COO of the Brotherhood of St Laurence, CFO of the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and led emergency logistics for World Vision Australia. His early international work included humanitarian and infrastructure programs in West Africa, the Balkans and the Philippines.

Alongside his executive roles, Paul has advised organisations on strategy, purpose and sustainability. He is the author of PurposeFull: How businesses and not-for-profits do better as purpose-driven organisations and is the founder of the social impact initiative Zero Together.

Paul is driven by a belief that purpose-led organisations are essential to building strong, equitable communities. As a Foundation Board Member, he draws on decades of leadership in social impact and organisational strategy to guide decision-making, strengthen governance and scale initiatives that deliver lasting change.