He is responsible for increasing global awareness of ageing as a driving force in shaping 21st century public health; building a sound evidence base on ageing related issues; and developing relevant policy, standards, interventions and tools. This involves working with all levels of government, non-government organizations, civil society and academia in the 194 WHO member states, and with senior members of many international organizations. He is chair of the World Economic Forum's Global Action Council on Ageing and a member of the Advisory Board of the World Demographic & Ageing Forum. John started his career as a clinician before holding a range of senior academic and public health roles in Australia and the United States. He has published widely in the international literature and remains actively involved in several large international research studies.