Templeton Religion Trust
Francis Campbell appointed TWCF President, and joins in the fourth quarter of 2026
January 22, 2026 – Templeton World Charity Foundation, Inc., announces the appointment of Francis Campbell as President. He will relocate to Nassau, Bahamas and begin the role during the fourth quarter of 2026. In this position, Francis will guide both the Templeton World Charity Foundation and the Templeton Religion Trust in their shared mission of funding interdisciplinary research and scientific breakthroughs that lead to spiritual progress.
“We are thrilled to welcome Francis Campbell as our next president,” said Jeffrey Dill, Chairman at TWCF.
“Francis Campbell has impeccable credentials and embodies the values of humility, service, and curiosity central to Sir John Templeton’s vision.”
Francis brings decades of proven experience as a distinguished academic leader, former diplomat, and public intellectual. He currently serves as Vice Chancellor and Professor at the University of Notre Dame Australia. He rose through senior diplomatic and policy roles, including Ambassador of the Holy See. As a policy advisor to Prime Minister Tony Blair and later as Head of the Policy Unit at the Foreign Office, he worked at the intersection of faith, politics, and international affairs. His postings in Brussels, New York, Pakistan, and Rome reinforced a global outlook and strengthened his ability to manage complex, cross-cultural partnerships.
He transitioned from diplomacy to academia, first as Vice Chancellor of St Mary’s University in Twickenham and from 2020 as Vice Chancellor of the University of Notre Dame Australia, where he led a period of significant transformation and renewal – strengthening governance and improving national rankings. Colleagues widely praise his leadership and his ability to combine strategic vision with humility and service; they describe him as an inspiring, inclusive leader.
Throughout his career, he has served on numerous boards across education, healthcare, and civil society,
including Forward Thinking (UK) and the PM Glynn Institute Australia. He is a published author and a regular speaker on topics of faith, education, ethics, and public life, known for his intellectual curiosity, warmth, and ability to engage across boundaries.
“I am honored to join Templeton World Charity Foundation and Templeton Religion Trust at such a pivotal time and am excited to partner with their talented teams,” said Francis Campbell. “From my earliest professional roles, I have been drawn to positions that combine a strong commitment to human dignity and the transformative power of education and faith. Sir John’s vision resonates deeply with my personal values and professional experience. I look forward to continuing to support this next chapter of the organization’s growth.”
Venentia “Tina” Cambridge will continue as President & Chief Operating Officer until Francis joins later in the year. After Francis' arrival, Tina will remain in the role of Chief Operating Officer, where she will continue to provide executive leadership for the Foundation’s operation,” said Jeffrey Dill. “Over the last year, Tina’s trusted leadership, strategic vision, and ability to lead change have been instrumental in the overall coordination of the organization’s grantmaking activities.”
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Tina Cambridge