SuperFriend hires new chief executive

SuperFriend, the workplace mental health and well-being not-for-profit, has appointed Darren Black as chief executive.

Black succeeds Margo Lydon who stepped down from the top job in March after 12 years in the role.

She now  works as a mental health advisor and board director.

Black joins SuperFriend - which partners with 24 superannuation funds and seven life insurers - from OxHelp Foundation, a national workplace mental health and suicide prevention organisation where he spent four years as chief executive.

During his career, he has pioneered the transformations of Outward Bound Australia and the NSW Police Citizens Youth Clubs.

Currently, he sits on the boards of Suicide Prevention Australia and the Australian Men's Health Club.

He served with the Australian Army for 13 years in several leadership and training roles.

SuperFriend chair Elizabeth Proust called Black a "standout applicant' who has led several transformations of Australian "for purpose" organisations and has much to offer SuperFriend and its team.

"Darren has also proven to be a great advocate for collective impact approaches to addressing complex societal problems, most recently improving mental health and reducing suicide," she said.

"His depth of advocacy experience, practical knowledge and networks will be valuable and beneficial to the SuperFriend team, our partners and stakeholders."

Commenting on his new role, Black said workplaces have an important role in fostering positive mental health.

"Promoting mental health and well-being adds value to organisations and positively correlates to their performance."

"SuperFriend team is uniquely-placed to impact workplace mental health across all industries , and {this is} an excellent opportunity to lead the organisation through this important next chapter."

Proust also thanked Dina Goebel for her work as acting chief executive.