Cure Kids Chief Executive Frances Soutter has announced she will step down from her role on 8 May 2026, following ten years leading the organisation.

During her decade as CEO, Frances played a key role in strengthening Cure Kids’ contribution to improving child health outcomes in Aotearoa. Her leadership included reshaping the organisation’s funding base to support longterm resilience and providing stability through significant governance and organisational change.

Frances also helped elevate national focus on child health through initiatives such as the State of Child Health Report, and by championing a collaborative, researchled approach to tackling rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. These, among many other achievements, have helped position Cure Kids as a trusted partner in advancing national research priorities.

Cure Kids Board Chair Franceska Banga thanked Frances for her contribution, saying, “Under Frances’ leadership, Cure Kids has continued to fund research that makes a meaningful difference for children, while also building strong and enduring relationships with partners and supporters, which position Cure Kids well for the future.”

Reflecting on her time in the role, Frances said, “It has been the greatest privilege of my career to work alongside New Zealand’s extraordinary researchers, generous donors, committed Board members, and dedicated colleagues, people united by a shared belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

“I made a promise to Sir Bob Elliott that I would hold his vision for child health close to my heart. I hope I have honoured that promise, and I know the work will continue to thrive, driven by the same passion, partnership, and determination that defines Cure Kids.”

The Board and team thank Frances for her considerable contribution. Cure Kids is in a strong position and remains deeply committed to its mission of supporting research and initiatives that improve child health outcomes.

Frances’ final day will be Friday 8 May, and a recruitment process is underway. Cure Kids will keep supporters informed as the process progresses and wishes Frances all the very best for the future.