Books in Homes Australia is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Shona Taylor as Chief Executive Officer, following the announcement that current CEO Peter Large will transition from his role over the coming months.

Shona brings almost 40 years of experience in leadership, operations and people development to Books in Homes Australia, together with a deep understanding of the organisation and its national program. Shona will commence on 5 October 2026.

Her connection with Books in Homes spans more than a decade through her role with Mainfreight, one of the organisation’s major Sponsors. During this time, Shona became a strong advocate for the Books in Homes program and developed a close and valued working relationship with the organisation and its team.

Following her recent retirement from Mainfreight, Shona and Books in Homes recognised an opportunity to bring that longstanding relationship into a new chapter, with Shona taking on the leadership of the charity and helping guide its continued evolution.

Shona began her career with Mainfreight in Napier, New Zealand, in 1987, working across customer service, administration and sales before joining the Mainfreight Australia team in 2003. Over the following two decades, she held operational and leadership roles, including leading Mainfreight branches in Adelaide and Brisbane, supporting national training initiatives, and serving as the Australian National People, Health & Safety Manager from 2012. For the past decade, she has led the Training and Development team in Australia.

Known for her authentic leadership style, deep industry knowledge and passion for developing people, Shona brings a practical, people-focused approach to her new role.

Shona Taylor, incoming CEO of Books in Homes Australia, said:

My relationship with Books in Homes began in the early 2000s through Mainfreight. As a long-term Sponsor representative, I have always admired the purpose of Books in Homes and have seen first-hand the joy that books bring to children.

I am honoured to take on the CEO role and continue the strong foundations and legacy already established, working alongside our supporters, schools and communities to help more children discover a lifelong love of reading.

Peter Large accepted the role of CEO of Books in Homes Australia in 2016 and will remain closely involved with the organisation as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.

Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and departing CEO, Peter Large, said:

Having worked with Shona in her role at Mainfreight for the past 10 years, I am delighted to welcome Shona to Books in Homes. With Shona coming on board, I step aside with the confidence and knowledge the future of Books in Homes is in good hands. Along with my fellow trustees, I look forward to working to assist Shona to continue delivering Books in Homes across Australia.

Books in Homes Australia is a national program supporting children and communities across Australia, providing books of choice to children who may otherwise have limited access to books at home.

As part of the transition, Books in Homes Australia will establish its office base in Melbourne, where Shona will build a new team to support the organisation’s next chapter.

The leadership transition will take place over the coming months, with further details to be announced as the transition progresses.

Media Contacts

Peter Large, CEO
Phone: 02 9434 2488
Email: peterlarge@booksinhomes.com.au

Julie Ditrich, Communications Coordinator
Phone: 0412 445 511
Email: julieditrich@booksinhomes.com.au