Pete Haydon

The Australian College of Optometry (ACO) has appointed Pete Haydon as its new CEO, replacing longstanding CEO Maureen O’Keefe.

Haydon joins the ACO with many years experience of management and executive management roles within the not for profit and corporate sectors, including his most recent role as CEO of Optometry Victoria South Australia.

“I’m honoured to have been invited to come and work for the ACO and I’m eager to get started. I genuinely believe in the work the ACO does and there is a strong fit with my own personal philosophy and professional goals.”

The ACO council has been through a lengthy and rigorous process to select Haydon as its next CEO, said ACO president Rodney Hodge. “Pete is an experienced leader with a great understanding of optometry through his role with Optometry Victoria South Australia. He strongly aligns with the ethics and values of the ACO.”

Hodge also acknowledged the contributions that Maureen O’Keefe made to the ACO in her eight years as CEO and wished her all the best in the next phase of her career.

Haydon will start in his new role 22 November 2021, with Professor Michael Ibbotson continuing as interim CEO until then.