The Asia Society Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of The Honorable Kevin Rudd, Australia’s Ambassador to the United States and former Prime Minister, as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, marking the return of one of the institution’s most influential leaders at a pivotal moment in global affairs.
Dr. Rudd will formally assume office on March 31, 2026, leading Asia Society from its global headquarters in New York. In addition to his role as President and CEO, he will also serve as President of the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) and take on a prominent leadership position within ASPI’s Center for China Analysis, which he founded in 2022.
He succeeds Kyung-wha Kang, who stepped down as Asia Society’s President and CEO in October to take up her new role as the Republic of Korea’s top diplomat to the United States.
A Return to Familiar Leadership
Dr. Rudd is no stranger to Asia Society. He previously served as President and CEO of Asia Society from 2021 to 2023, as well as the inaugural President of ASPI from 2015 to 2023. During that period, he was instrumental in positioning the organization as a leading global voice on Asia-Pacific affairs.
A distinguished diplomat, China scholar, and global statesman, Rudd led Asia Society and ASPI in advancing their mission to address shared challenges across the Asia-Pacific, including regional security, economic prosperity, sustainability, and the development of common norms and values.
Under his leadership, ASPI emerged as a top-tier “think-and-do” tank, ranking within the top one percent of think tanks worldwide, according to global assessments. A cornerstone of this success was the establishment and growth of the Center for China Analysis, which has become one of the most respected platforms globally for independent, policy-relevant research on China.
Expanding Global Footprint and Policy Influence
During his previous tenure, Dr. Rudd also oversaw a significant expansion of Asia Society’s global presence, including the establishment of new centers in Paris—the organization’s first location within the European Union—and Seattle, with a focus on artificial intelligence and technology.
Looking ahead, Asia Society said Rudd’s new term will focus on expanding ASPI’s footprint in Washington, D.C., strengthening engagement with U.S. policymakers, and deepening the institution’s work across public policy, arts and culture, and education.
Dr. Rudd will remain closely involved with ASPI’s Washington office, particularly through the Center for China Analysis, where he will continue engaging with U.S. institutions on China policy at a time of heightened geopolitical competition.
Global Statesman With Deep China Expertise
Before joining Asia Society, Kevin Rudd served as Australia’s 26th Prime Minister (2007–2010 and 2013) and later as Foreign Minister (2010–2012). Fluent in Mandarin, he is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities on China and U.S.–China relations.
He began his career as a China scholar and Australian diplomat in Beijing, before entering politics. Dr. Rudd is also the author of two influential books: The Avoidable War (2022) and On Xi Jinping (2024), both of which have shaped international debate on China’s political trajectory and its relationship with the West.
As Prime Minister, Rudd led Australia through the Global Financial Crisis, with the International Monetary Fund recognising Australia’s response as the most effective stimulus strategy among all member states. He also co-founded the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which became the central forum for global economic coordination during the crisis.
More recently, as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, he played a key role in negotiating a landmark U.S.–Australia Critical Minerals Framework, reinforcing strategic supply chains and economic security.
Board and Leadership Reactions
Welcoming the appointment, John L. Thornton and Chan Heng Chee, Co-Chairs of the Asia Society Board of Trustees, said:
“We are thrilled that Kevin has accepted the Board’s invitation to lead Asia Society at such a critical moment for the institution, the Asia-Pacific, and the world. He is a true statesman and a visionary leader with peerless experience.”
Dr. Rudd expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to the organization.
“I am honored that the Board has chosen me for this important and impactful role,” he said. “Asia Society is respected as one of the smartest, leading-edge, and distinguished institutions in the global think tank, artistic, and cultural diplomacy communities. I look forward to continuing my work with the truly first-class global staff at Asia Society.”
Asia Society at 70
Founded in 1956, Asia Society is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The nonpartisan, nonprofit organization operates in 16 locations worldwide, with a mission to strengthen partnerships between the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia, the United States, and the broader global community.
Headquartered in New York, Asia Society maintains major cultural centers in Hong Kong and Houston, along with offices in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Paris, Tokyo, Seoul, Washington, D.C., and Sydney, among others.
With Kevin Rudd’s return, Asia Society is positioning itself to play an even more prominent role in navigating one of the most consequential periods in Asia-Pacific and global history.
