Jane Hunt

Jane Hunt is the CEO of Adopt Change, a highly influential organisation advocating for change in adoption policy and practices in Australia. She is leading the development of the next stage of the organisation, including setting the strategic direction, developing the business model and establishing a centre of excellence in pre and post adoptive care. Jane is passionate about providing children the best start in life so that they can live rich and full lives.

Prior to joining Adopt Change, Jane was the inaugural CEO of Fitted for Work, a not-for-profit that transformed the lives of over 18,000 women experiencing disadvantage. She developed Fitted for Work into a highly effective organization tackling women’s disadvantage and unemployment. She also developed several for-profit social enterprises (CareerIgnite and Dear Gladys) to ensure that Fitted for Work had a sustainable business model.

Before joining Fitted for Work in 2008, Jane was the Victorian Strategy and OperationsManager, Community Services. She developed and oversaw services for families and children, young people, Aboriginal Australians and disadvantaged communities. Jane also lead the development of social enterprises at Mission Australia, such as Charcoal Lane.

As an active contributor to advancing social innovation in Australia, Jane has provided consulting services to a diverse range of organisations in the arts, legal, corproate and community sectors. Examples of her ability to draw a synergy and develop relationships between business and the community sector include collaborations between NFP’s and Yarra Trams, David Lawrence and Westpac.

In recognition of Jane’s contribution, she received the global Schwab Foundation SocialEntrepreneur Award in 2012. As part of this Award she is invited to attend World Economic Forum events. Jane was also the winner of the Victorian Telstra Business Women’s Award – Nokia Business Innovation Award 2011 and awarded the 2010 Melbourne Business 3000 Award for Community Innovation.

Jane was appointed as a Director of Yarra Community Housing in late 2014 and she is an active member on the Advisory Council for Affinity Private (a boutique wealth advisory practice).

Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Masters of Arts (Hons) and a Masters of Business Leadership. She also won a scholarship to participate in INSEAD’s Social Entrepreneurship Programme and is an active member of their global network.

Jane is a much sought after guest speaker on a range of topics including: leadership, effective career transitions for women, social innovation and developing social enterprises.

Jane is married to Andrew and has two children Thomas and Harper. She mentors two other CEOs. She loves CrossFit, cooking, music, bike riding and going to the theatre.