The Milford Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of former Milford Asset Management Chair, Mark Cross, to its Board as a Trustee, effective 12 October 2026. Following his addition to the Board, Mark will officially take over as Chair in February 2027, succeeding current Chair and Milford Asset Management Co-Founder, Graeme Thomas.

Having served as a Director of Milford Asset Management Limited from 2013 and as Chair from 2016 until 2022, Cross brings extensive governance and investment expertise to the role. His current governance portfolio includes serving as Chair of Chorus and Vocus Group (Australia), alongside directorships at Xero and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.

With the Milford Foundation’s renewed focus on youth, Mark’s appointment comes at a pivotal and exciting time.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mark back to the Milford community,” says Lucy Doyle, General Manager of the Milford Foundation.

“As we strengthen our focus on youth empowerment across Aotearoa, his deep leadership expertise and genuine passion for our work will be a huge asset for the Foundation.”

Outside the boardroom, Mark is a committed endurance athlete who has actively supported the Foundation’s mission. In 2022, he completed the 250km Atacama Crossing desert ultramarathon, raising significant funds for the Milford Foundation Scholarship Programme.

“I believe the future wellbeing of New Zealand will be shaped by today’s young people, and it’s important we support them through the critical stages of their lives,” says Mark.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside charities with a proven capability to deliver measurable impact, consistent with the Milford investment ethos.”

Graeme Thomas, who joined the Foundation Board in 2020 and has served as Chair since 2025, will step down from the Board in February 2027 after helping guide the Foundation through a significant period of growth and a strategic reset that has sharpened its focus on supporting young New Zealanders.

“Mark brings exceptional governance experience, strategic insight and a genuine commitment to the Foundation’s purpose,” says Graeme Thomas.

“The Foundation is in a strong position, with a clear strategy and a committed Board and team to take it forward. I have every confidence that Mark will help lead the Foundation through its next chapter.”

The Trustees and team at the Milford Foundation warmly welcome Mark to the organisation and look forward to his strategic leadership as he prepares to assume the role of Chair early next year.