Ron Finkel AM President Expand Ron Finkel AM is a well-known Melbourne-based businessman. He is the Managing Director of Momentum Ventures Ltd., one of the first venture capital funds established in Australia. He is a graduate of law and commerce from the University of Melbourne. A leading member of the Australian Jewish community, Ron has been President and Chairman of a number of communal organisations and is President of Hadassah Australia, the Australian “Friends” of Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem and Project Rozana, an organisation working to build bridges to better understanding between Israelis and Palestinians through health. Under Ron’s leadership, Hadassah Australia has become a national Jewish communal organisation raising significant funds annually for projects associated with the Hadassah Hospital. Ron is also the founder of HAMRC as an ATO-endorsed health promotion charity to facilitate medical research collaborations between Hadassah Hospital and Australia. In 2018 Ron was appointed a member of the Order of Australia (AM), in recognition of his outstanding achievements and service.
Lynda Brest Director Expand Lynda is an executive advisor specialising in operating model design, business transformation, leadership and organisational effectiveness. Lynda brings a unique blend of global industry and consulting experience, critical thinking and a human-centered approach to tackling complex strategic and operational issues. Lynda is recognised for how she engages with stakeholders at all levels creatively, authentically and empathetically, to co-design and implement pragmatic solutions that deliver sustainable business results. She has been an Associate Director at Third Horizon since 2016 and has been an active member of community boards and committees, including currently with Limmud Oz in Melbourne, and previously with Shalom College in Sydney and the JVS in Greater Toronto, Canada.
Phillip Zajac Treasurer Expand Philip is the CEO of the Erdi Foundation, the Philanthropic arm of the Erdigroup, an Australian-based hotel company, with hotels in Melbourne Sydney and Brisbane, of which he is the Executive Director. The Erdi Foundation supports local Australian causes both Non Jewish and Jewish and causes in Israel. Philip is deeply involved in community organisations and charities and enjoys cycling. Philip is married and has three children. He is a constant traveller to Israel and a true lover of Israel.
Julian Gillis Secretary Expand Julian has been employed by ANZ as a senior lawyer for the last 12 years and is currently working in Global Markets in the Institutional Division. He has extensive experience in banking and finance and brings his legal knowledge and regulatory and compliance experience to the Hadassah Australia Board. Julian’s previous communal involvements include four years as a member of the Board of Maccabi Victoria and I am the honorary Solicitor for Blake Street Hebrew Congregation. He is married and has three children (two girls and a boy). In his spare time, he is a keen fan of most sports, although that is now much more likely to involve watching than playing! Julian is pleased through his board involvement to constantly receive greater insights into how Hadassah Hospital helps people and communities in Jerusalem and Israel generally.
Robert Dorfman Hadassah International Observer Expand Robert is the President of Hadassah International and has lived in Hong Kong all his life. He is Chairman of Herald Holdings Ltd, a public listed industrial and distribution group quoted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Robert has always taken an active role in community affairs, including as past Chairman of the Vision 2047 Foundation, a group of long-time Hong Kong residents committed to the future of Hong Kong. In addition, he is a Trustee of the Ohel Leah Synagogue Charity and a Member of the Council, Lingnan University. Mr Dorfman was the Chairman of Keren Hayesod – United Israel Appeal (KHUIA) Hong Kong till 2016. He has also been an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (“YPO”) and its graduate entity, the World Presidents’ Organization (“WPO”). From 2011-2012, he served as the Board Chairman of WPO. For his services to YPO-WPO, he was awarded the Hickok Distinguished Service Award, the Organization’s highest honour. Robert is Advisory Committee Chair of the Tanoto Center for Asian Family Business and Entrepreneurship Studies, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.