Ian Chesterman has been elected as the new president of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), with the search for the CEO of the Brisbane 2032 planning committee being labelled a top priority.

John Coates, who resigned from the role after 32 years, played a pivotal role in Brisbane’s 2032 bid and will remain as a key figure in the planning committee.

Australian Football League (AFL) chief executive officer, Gillon McLachlan, who resigned last month, after eight years in the job, has been named as a possible candidate for the role.

Coates told the AFR Weekend, the committee needs a leader similar to London 2012’s Lord Paul Deighton, a former Goldman Sachs partner or Tokyo 2020’s chief executive, Toshiro Muto, former Bank of Japan deputy governor.

“It could come from a CEO of a major Australian company, or from the bureaucracy,” Coates said.

“And maybe it can come from sport, but I haven’t seen it.

“A global perspective is important,” he said.

A media release from the Australian Prime Minister’s office announced the final five board members.

Andrew Liveris:

Andrew Liveris has been named as the president of the planning committee, after having strong ties to Queensland from a young age, additionally, he is the chairman of Lucid Motors and Blackrock Long Term Private Capital, director of IBM.

Commenting on his appointment, Liveris, said his new role will be one of the greatest and most satisfying opportunities to contribute to Australia.

“I have worked around the world and I have always attributed my success to my study at the University of Queensland, so Brisbane holds a special place in my heart,” Liveris said.

“I am honoured to have been asked to make an important contribution to our State and nation in this critical role,” he said.

Dr Sarah Kelly OAM:

Sarah Kelly is an associate professor of in marketing and law at the University of Queensland, Kelly will also bring a passion for sport and its impact on local, national, and international communities.

Additionally, she is the Queensland leader of the Minerva Network, which strives to introduce female business leaders with professional athletes.

Shelley Reys:

Shelley Reys is a Djiribuli woman from north Queensland and an Indigenous specialist, strategist, and service provider, and is known for her role in leading conversations and events of national importance including The Walk for Reconciliation, Parliament’s apology to the Stolen Generation, co-chair of Reconciliation Australia and vice chair of the National Australia Day Council.

Brett Clark:

Brett Clark is the founder and managing director of ePharmacy and managing partner of Chemist Warehouse, Clark has a large connection to rugby, being the current chair of Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) and the QRU Foundation, additionally, he served as the chair of Queensland Ballet for six years before he left in 2019.

Rob Scott:

Finally, Rob Scott has been selected as the final board member, Scott is a dual Olympian in Rowing, and a 1996 Atlanta silver medallist.

He is currently the CEO of and managing director of Wesfarmers Limited and will bring significant experience in business, leadership, major projects, governance and public affairs to the planning committee.