The Aurum Institute Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Aurum Institute has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, human resources, finance, operations, and information technology.

Driven by a commitment to global health equity, The Aurum Institute generates evidence for policy and translates it into practice through clinical and implementation research, significantly impacting public health outcomes across Africa and beyond.

Leadership Roles at The Aurum Institute

  • Chief Executive Officer - Gavin Churchyard
  • Chief Executive Officer, Lola Cares Ltd (Pty) - Lerato Magobe
  • Group Chief Financial Officer & Group Chief Information Officer - Arshad Hassim
  • Group Chief Operating Officer - Vinodh Edward
  • Group Chief Human Resources Officer - Michael McMillan
  • Gavin Churchyard - Chief Executive Officer

    Gavin Churchyard, the Chief Executive Officer at The Aurum Institute, directs the organization's overarching strategy and vision. This leadership role involves guiding the institute's focus on generating evidence for policy and translating research into practical applications within public health. Churchyard oversees the strategic direction of clinical and implementation research initiatives, particularly in critical areas like tuberculosis and HIV. The Chief Executive Officer ensures that the institute's interventions and technical assistance programs effectively improve health outcomes globally, with a significant emphasis on Africa. By fostering key partnerships, Gavin Churchyard enhances the organization's capacity to address complex health challenges and drive meaningful change in health systems strengthening. This executive leadership ensures the institute remains at the forefront of health impact research and practice.

    Lerato Magobe - Chief Executive Officer, Lola Cares Ltd (Pty)

    Lerato Magobe, the Chief Executive Officer, Lola Cares Ltd (Pty) at The Aurum Institute, spearheads strategic initiatives within this specific subsidiary. This executive function focuses on driving the mission of Lola Cares Ltd (Pty) in alignment with The Aurum Institute's broader goals of health impact and evidence-based practice. Magobe oversees the operational execution and strategic development of programs designed to translate research into tangible health improvements. The Chief Executive Officer, Lola Cares Ltd (Pty) ensures that the subsidiary's activities contribute effectively to health systems strengthening and address key public health challenges. By managing key stakeholder relationships and resource allocation, Lerato Magobe supports the expansion of services and the enhancement of health outcomes, particularly within the operational regions of The Aurum Institute. This leadership role is critical for the localized implementation of the institute's global health impact strategy.

    Arshad Hassim - Group Chief Financial Officer & Group Chief Information Officer

    Arshad Hassim, the Group Chief Financial Officer & Group Chief Information Officer at The Aurum Institute, holds dual executive responsibility for financial health and technological infrastructure. This critical role ensures the robust management of the institute's financial resources, enabling the effective execution of research and development programs. Hassim oversees financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, guaranteeing fiscal responsibility across all operations, including major development intervention programs. Concurrently, the Group Chief Information Officer directs the institute's IT strategy, managing data security, technological innovation, and information systems that support clinical and implementation research. Arshad Hassim ensures seamless integration between financial operations and technological capabilities, driving efficiency and supporting the institute's global reach, particularly in Africa. This combined leadership ensures the organization's sustainability and its capacity to leverage technology for enhanced health impact.

    Vinodh Edward - Group Chief Operating Officer

    Vinodh Edward, the Group Chief Operating Officer at The Aurum Institute, oversees the execution of the institute's operational strategies and program delivery. This executive function is central to translating research findings into practical applications and ensuring the efficient implementation of health interventions. Edward manages the day-to-day operations, driving process improvements and optimizing resource allocation across clinical and implementation research projects. The Group Chief Operating Officer ensures that technical assistance and development intervention programs meet their objectives and contribute to strengthening health systems globally. By coordinating cross-functional teams and managing operational risks, Vinodh Edward supports the institute's strong presence in Africa and its partnerships that enhance public health outcomes. This leadership role is essential for the effective and scalable delivery of the institute's mission.

    Michael McMillan - Group Chief Human Resources Officer

    Michael McMillan, the Group Chief Human Resources Officer at The Aurum Institute, directs all human capital strategies and organizational development initiatives. This executive function is crucial for supporting the institute's complex research and intervention programs by ensuring a high-performing and engaged workforce. McMillan oversees talent acquisition, retention, and professional development across the organization, fostering a culture that supports innovation and collaboration. The Group Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that HR policies and practices align with the institute's mission of generating evidence for policy and translating it into practice. By managing employee relations and organizational design, Michael McMillan supports the effective delivery of clinical and implementation research, particularly in challenging health environments. This leadership role is vital for sustaining the institute's operational capacity and its global reach in health systems strengthening.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Aurum Institute Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Aurum Institute?
    The Aurum Institute is led by Gavin Churchyard (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Lerato Magobe (Chief Executive Officer, Lola Cares Ltd (Pty)) and Arshad Hassim (Group Chief Financial Officer & Group Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of The Aurum Institute’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Aurum Institute includes leaders such as Gavin Churchyard (Chief Executive Officer), Lerato Magobe (Chief Executive Officer, Lola Cares Ltd (Pty)), Arshad Hassim (Group Chief Financial Officer & Group Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Aurum Institute have?
    The Aurum Institute has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Aurum Institute’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Aurum Institute includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Lola Cares Ltd (Pty), Group Chief Financial Officer & Group Chief Information Officer, Group Chief Operating Officer, Group Chief Human Resources Officer.