By Tom Decent
Former Labor powerbroker Mark Arbib has been unveiled as the new chief executive of the Australian Olympic Committee.
Arbib, who has served on the AOC executive since 2016, will replace outgoing chief executive Matt Carroll, whose eight-year tenure ends next month at the organisation’s annual general meeting.
Athletics Australia’s president for six years until 2021, Arbib edged out former Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley and Commonwealth Games Australia president Ben Houston for one of the most significant roles in Australian sport.
AOC president Ian Chesterman said Arbib’s appointment “ensures the Olympic movement in Australia is in great hands, and we are well positioned to maximise the opportunities on the road to Brisbane and beyond”.
“Mark’s senior experience across Australia’s sporting landscape runs deep and wide, but alongside those credentials, he’s also serving in his 10th year on the AOC executive and brings a demonstrated passion for the Olympic movement, our sports and athletes,” Chesterman said in a statement on Wednesday morning.
“Mark is highly skilled in the workings of the sports system … and 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.”
Former federal sport minister and Athletics Australia president Mark Arbib will now head up the AOC. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
Arbib held several ministerial portfolios, including minister for sport and assistant treasurer, before he resigned from politics in 2012.
The 53-year-old former Labor senator was a key figure in the 2010 coup against Kevin Rudd that saw the prime minister ousted for Julia Gillard.
Arbib was a campaign director for the NSW state election in 2007 before being elected to the Senate later that year.
After leaving federal politics, Arbib spent a decade as a senior executive with James Packer’s private investment company, including on the billionaire’s Crown Sydney casino venture.
He has also been a director of Sydney FC and the South Sydney Rabbitohs, on whose board he sat representing James Packer’s Consolidated Press Holdings.
Global executive recruitment firm Ogden Berndtson was hired by the AOC to conduct an international search.
“It’s an honour to help lead this great movement,” Arbib said in a statement. “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.
Australian Olympic Committee CEO Matt Carroll is standing down next month. Credit: Rhett Wyman
“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.”
Arbib’s appointment comes ahead of a crucial period for Australian sport, seven years from the Brisbane Olympics.
The AOC will take a back seat in some respect as planning ramps up for Brisbane 2032, handing over management of its commercial rights to the organising committee from 2027.
However, the boss of the Circular Quay-based organisation will remain a key figure as another home Olympics approaches, with strengthening ties to national sporting federations and government among his top priorities.
The AOC is also in charge of Australia’s Olympic teams ahead of winter Games in Milano Cortina (2026) and the French Alps (2030), and the 2028 summer edition in Los Angeles before Brisbane 2032.
More to come
