Mark Arbib Announced as Latest AOC CEO

Mark Arbib has been appointed to a prominent role, bringing with him three decades of extensive leadership experience in sports administration, commercial strategy, and governance.

His career encompasses significant positions across a range of sectors, including national sporting organisations, major professional sporting codes, the Federal Government, international integrity bodies, philanthropic efforts, and the Olympic Movement.

Commenting on his appointment, Arbib, said: “It’s an honour to help lead this great movement. The Olympics are the pinnacle of sport – both in Australia and across the globe.”

“To be chosen as Chief Executive of the Australian Olympic Committee, with a home Games in 2032, is an incredible opportunity to harness the power of the rings to inspire and advance our nation.

“Having served in senior roles across sport, government and business, including my nine years serving on the AOC Executive, I’ve seen firsthand the extraordinary power of the Olympic Movement to unite and transform lives.

“I’ve also had the pleasure of working alongside our National Federations over many years and know well the important role they play in delivering all the great benefits sport brings to our communities.

“I am committed to working tirelessly for athletes – and making sure they are at the heart of everything we do. There are no better role models in sport.

“I also acknowledge I step into the role and into an organisation that is in great shape, with great talent, having been led so ably by Matt Carroll and the entire management team,” he said.

AOC president, Ian Chesterman, added: “Mark’s senior experience across Australia’s sporting landscape runs deep and wide, but alongside those credentials, he’s also serving in his tenth year on the AOC Executive, and brings a demonstrated passion for the Olympic Movement, our sports and athletes.”

“Mark is highly skilled in the workings of the sports system having served as President of Athletics Australia for six years. Together with his experience in government, business, fundraising and philanthropy, I look forward to him bringing his unique and compelling skillset to the operations of the AOC,” he said.

Since 2016, Arbib has been a valued member of the Australian Olympic Committee’s (AOC) Executive Committee, where he also chairs the Brisbane 32 Legacy and Impact Committee.

His previous leadership includes a six-year tenure (2015-2021) as President of Athletics Australia, during which he championed governance reforms, high-performance strategies, and established a platform for athletes’ voices in board discussions.

Additionally, Arbib held the position of Federal Minister for Sport from 2010 to 2012, where he was instrumental in the creation of the National Anti-Match-Fixing policy, which evolved into Sport Integrity Australia, and secured a seat on the board of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

His governance expertise further extends to the 2012 review of Australian Rugby Union, along with board roles at Sydney FC and the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Arbib has also served as the Director of Strategy and Business Development at Consolidated Press Holdings and managed the Packer Family Foundation’s $100 million operations.

Notably, he was also the General Secretary (CEO) of the Australian Labor Party in New South Wales.

Arbib will officially step into his new role on May 5, with a two-week transition period ahead of Carroll’s departure on May 16.

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