Professor Stephen William MacMahon is a distinguished cardiologist and global health leader whose work has transformed cardiovascular medicine and international health initiatives. He currently serves as Founding Director of The George Institute for Global Health while holding professorial appointments as Chair of Global Health at Imperial College London's Faculty of Medicine and Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at UNSW Sydney. Born in Scotland, he emigrated to New Zealand during childhood and earned a scholarship to study at the University of Canterbury Christchurch before completing his medical degree at UNSW Sydney School of Medicine in 1985. His early career featured prestigious research fellowships at the US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and Green Templeton College at the University of Oxford, where he collaborated with Professor Sir Richard Peto in the Clinical Trials Services Unit.
Professor MacMahon has established himself as an international authority on the causes, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases with particular expertise in addressing health challenges in resource-poor settings across the Asia-Pacific region. As co-founder of The George Institute for Global Health alongside Professor Robyn Norton AO, he pioneered innovative approaches that have fundamentally reshaped how medical institutions address population health challenges in low and middle-income countries. His visionary leadership extended to creating George Health Enterprises, the Institute's commercial arm designed to develop health-related services and products for global markets, where he successfully secured significant capital and orchestrated the sale of major commercial assets. MacMahon's research methodology emphasizes rigorous clinical trials and evidence-based interventions, establishing him as a leading figure in cardiovascular epidemiology and implementation science.
Beyond his institutional leadership, Professor MacMahon has served in numerous influential advisory capacities including as chair of the International Scientific Board of the UK BioBank during its critical design and implementation phases. His exceptional contributions to medical science and social entrepreneurship were recognized with his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2017 Queen's Birthday Honours List. After twenty-five years as joint Principal Director (CEO) of The George Institute, he transitioned to his current role as Founding Director in 2023, maintaining his commitment to advancing global health equity through research and innovation. Professor MacMahon continues to shape the future of cardiovascular medicine and global health policy through his ongoing academic appointments and strategic guidance to international health organizations worldwide.
