Mike Schneider steps into the role of FightMND Chair

FightMND is pleased to announce Mike Schneider, Managing Director of the Bunnings Group, as our new Board Chair. 

Mike will take over from Bill Guest, who after more than three years is stepping down as Chair but will remain an active member of the FightMND Board.

FightMND would like to acknowledge and thank Bill for his passion, leadership, sense of fun, wisdom and ongoing commitment to the organisation. Since the beginning, Bill’s support and contribution to FightMND has been enormous – particularly his ability to bring people together around the cause to fight back against the beast.

As the Managing Director of Bunnings Group, Mike brings extensive experience and leadership to the role of Chair along with a strong connection to Motor Neurone Disease and FightMND.  

“Bunnings has supported FightMND over the last three years and this has given me a chance to see the work the organisation does to provide much-needed funds for research into a cure for this horrible disease,” Mike said. 

“I have listened and learned from family and friends about the challenges those diagnosed with MND face every day in their own personal fight against this beast. I’ve also seen firsthand the stress, pain and sadness of those who have lost loved ones to MND. Finding effective treatments and a cure would make a profound difference to so many people’s lives.”

The appointment of Mike as Chair marks an important phase of growth for FightMND, adding to the strength and success of the organisation from humble beginnings around the kitchen bench at the Daniher home to a bold and ambitious national charity. 

In seven years, FightMND has invested over $48 million into MND research and has become one of the largest independent funders of MND research not only in Australia but globally. Alongside research funding, FightMND has also invested nearly $5 million into care equipment for people living with MND. 

In taking on the role of FightMND Chair, Mike recognised the work of his predecessor and the organisation’s founders, flagging his enthusiasm to build on their important work. 

“Bill Guest, along with Neale Daniher and Pat Cunningham have been instrumental in the development of Fight MND. Thanks to these leaders, FightMND is now a leading charity in Australia in providing funding for world-class research into effective treatments and a cure for MND.”

“I am excited to work with FightMND’s CEO Dr Fiona McIntosh, the Board and wider team to deepen the community’s awareness and support for this incredibly important area of research,” Mike said. 

With a passion for seeing people and organisations thrive through strong cultures, clear, aligned purposes and actions, and brand trust, Mike’s vision for FightMND centres around building strong connections with the FightMND Army. 

“We have a responsibility to do all that we can to demonstrate the highest standards of trust and engagement with the army of people who have joined the fight against ‘the beast’ – from government to businesses and the thousands of Australians who buy a beanie or fundraise for FightMND each year.” 

“I know that the Board and team are committed to finding new ways to grow awareness of MND in the community and develop new programs and initiatives to ensure that we can build on the great work that has been done to date.”

Outside of Mike’s role at Bunnings he also sits on the boards of mental health charity Love Me Love You, the Corporate Mental Health Alliance of Australia and Melbourne United Basketball Club.