The Push-Up Challenge has appointed Nicole Cikarela as CEO ahead of its expansion into the UK and New Zealand markets in February.
She joins from HBF Health, where she held various senior leadership roles during her six-year tenure.
Cikarela has also held senior positions at Clemenger BBDO and RAC WA, and currently serves on the board of Melanoma Patients Australia.
“Nicole is an exceptional fit to guide The Push-Up Challenge through its next phase of growth,” said The Push for Better Foundation’s board chair, Trevor Harris.
“A strong background in leading health, community and commercial organisations through growth, transformation and scale over more than 20 years positions her perfectly for where the Challenge and the Foundation are heading next.”
Following its launch into Canada in 2024, participants raised more than $7.1 million for the Canadian Mental Health Foundation.
Building on its Canadian model, The Push-Up Challenge will launch in partnership with The Samaritans in the UK and the Mental Health Foundation in New Zealand.
“I’m incredibly excited to step into the CEO role at the Push for Better Foundation at a time of significant momentum,” said Cikarela.
“The Push-Up Challenge exists because of the extraordinary vision and commitment of Nick Hudson, who has created a movement that truly improves lives and communities.
“I’m looking forward to building on that legacy both locally and internationally, deepening partnerships and helping more people move, connect and take proactive steps for their mental health.”
The Push-Up Challenge founder, Nick Hudson, will step back from day-to-day leadership but will remain with the organisation as an advisor and continue to serve on the board.
“We’re proud to have built an accessible event that truly has no borders,” said Hudson.
“It’s our mission to allow as many people as possible to benefit from a physical and mental challenge like ours, and based on the way Australians and Canadians have embraced the Challenge, we can’t wait to see how it’s received by our friends across the ditch, and all the way on the other side of the world.”
Now in its tenth year in Australia, The Push-Up Challenge has seen more than one million participants raise more than $70 million for mental health.
The Push-Up Challenge will run in Canada, the UK and New Zealand in February 2026, and in Australia in June.