World Physiotherapy CEO Set To Depart In May 2024
New CEO Recruitment Drive Is On
Jonathon Kruger, the CEO of World Physiotherapy, will retire in May 2024 after nearly eight years. Kruger took the helm in mid-2016 and is leaving for a new opportunity.
During his leadership, Kruger was pivotal in driving strategic initiatives that significantly shaped the global physiotherapy profession.
His efforts led to expanding the confederation, welcoming 26 national physiotherapy associations.
He also spearheaded over 50 advocacy campaigns in collaboration with member organisations, focusing on critical issues such as direct access to services, enhancing educational standards, establishing regulatory systems, telerehabilitation, and providing personal protective equipment amid the pandemic.
Kruger’s tenure was marked by notable global representation, including engagements with the World Health Organization, the World Health Assembly, the World Rehabilitation Alliance, and the World Health Professions Alliance.
Instrumental role
He was instrumental in advancing physiotherapist education and training programmes across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia and played a crucial role in developing a new constitution for World Physiotherapy.
Under his leadership, the London, UK-headquartered organisation hosted its first online congress and hybrid general meeting, introduced electronic voting for members, and significantly improved support for regional operations.
A significant achievement during his term was the rebranding from WCPT to World Physiotherapy, alongside transitioning the organisation to a charitable incorporated entity.
Words of praise
Michel Landry, President of World Physiotherapy, said, “Jonathon, as chief executive officer, has been a stalwart advocate and defender for global physiotherapists and World Physiotherapy over the last eight years.
“His steadfast dedication, commitment, and passion for World Physiotherapy are inspirational, and he leaves a lasting legacy.
“His many accomplishments as a leader are impressive, and he will be missed within our organisation. The World Physiotherapy community extends our sincere appreciation for all he has built, and we wish him the best in his future endeavours.”
Suh-Fang Jeng, Vice President of World Physiotherapy, said: “I have known Jonathon for more than 10 years and have always cherished his expertise in advocacy and management, as well as his friendship and kindness when serving the organisation.
“His eminent efforts and exceptional accomplishments in establishing the new constitution, launching professional projects, building a model for support of the regions, and collaborating with various stakeholders during the Covid-19 pandemic will be long remembered in the history of World Physiotherapy.
“Jonathon has demonstrated outstanding skills in leading the organisation to a new horizon and will be difficult to replace.”
The board of World Physiotherapy is set to begin recruiting a new CEO as the community bids farewell to a leader who significantly contributed to the profession’s global development.
Featured image: Jonathan Kruger was crucial in developing a new constitution for World Physiotherapy. Credit: Terry Shultz
