Kjesten Wiig appointed Director of Malaghan Institute as Graham Le Gros steps into new role

Chair Sir Paul Collins says the Trust Board is delighted to appoint such a capable and well-respected leader as Director, whose time at the Malaghan has proven her readiness, ambition and vision for the role.

“She has big shoes to fill after Graham’s extraordinary tenure, but she’s poised to build on Graham’s legacy and forge her own,” he says.

Prof Wiig has held senior leadership roles at the Malaghan Institute since 2022 and was appointed Deputy Director in early 2024 with a view to transitioning into the director role. A neuroscientist by training, Prof Wiig’s career has spanned senior leadership roles in academia, industry and government, all with a focus on advancing science and innovation.

She says she is passionate about progressing research that will positively impact on people’s health and ultimately save lives.

“Graham has built an amazing organisation that I feel privileged to lead, bringing considerable learnings from my time spent in ambitious, US-based drug discovery companies as well as central government here in New Zealand to the role.”

Prof Le Gros says he is ready to hand over the baton to Prof Wiig after 30 years at the helm.

“This is not farewell – I’m not going away, but it is time to transition to a new leadership team, with Kjesten ably supported by Mike Zablocki as General Manager and our senior science and support leaders. This change takes the Malaghan Institute into a new era as we continue to be ambitious about what can be achieved here in New Zealand for the benefit of global health – tackling diseases that affect us all.”

Prof Wiig’s appointment to Director and Prof Le Gros’ appointment to Deputy Chair will be effective from 1 January 2025.

“As Chair I’m delighted we can retain Graham in this important role as my deputy moving forward and in an advisory role to the new director through this change,” says Sir Paul.

“This will continue be a strong and seamless transition and, alongside a refreshed and strengthened governance team, places the Malaghan Institute in an excellent position for the future.”