Mr Arbib brings to the role 30-years of high-profile leadership experience in sports administration, commercial strategy and governance. He has served at the highest level within a National Sporting Organisation, major professional sporting codes, the Federal Government, international integrity bodies, philanthropic ventures and within the Olympic Movement itself.
Mr Arbib has served on the AOC’s Executive Committee since 2016 and chairs the AOC’s Brisbane 32 Legacy and Impact Committee. He also served six years (2015-2021) as President of Athletics Australia where he drove governance reforms, high performance strategies and established an athlete’s voice on the board. Notably, Mr Arbib was the Federal Minister for Sport from 2010-2012 which saw him create the National Anti-Match-Fixing policy (later Sport Integrity Australia) and his appointment to the board of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Mr Arbib also led the 2012 Governance Review into Australian Rugby Union and has served on the board of both Sydney FC and the South Sydney Rabbitohs. He also previously worked as Director of Strategy and Business Development at Consolidated Press Holdings, established and managed the $100 million Packer Family Foundation, and was General Secretary (CEO) of the Australian Labor Party in NSW.
AOC President Ian Chesterman said he was delighted to appoint Mr Arbib as the AOC’s Chief Executive.
“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,” Mr Chesterman said.
“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.
“Having witnessed Mark’s important contribution as a member of the AOC Executive over the past decade, I know he possesses the vision, drive and energy required to advance the Olympic Movement in Australia so that all the opportunities presented by Brisbane 2032 are realised.
“Mark is a true believer in the power of sport and is committed to advancing athlete opportunities. I also know Mark is a great builder of teams and will lead our talented staff with care and energy.
“In short, Mark’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,” he said.
Mr Arbib said he was thrilled to be taking on the leadership role.
“It’s an honour to help lead this great movement. The Olympics are the pinnacle of sport – both in Australia and across the globe,” he said.
“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.
Mr Chesterman paid tribute to outgoing CEO Matt Carroll, who after eight years in the role, will step down as CEO after the Annual General Meeting in May.
“Matt has been an incredible leader of the AOC, having overseen considerable cultural and operational reforms, for the benefit of our people, athletes and our Member Sports,” Mr Chesterman said.
“He should also take great pride in the performances of the Australian Olympic Teams across PyeongChang 2018, Tokyo 2020, Beijing 2022 and, of course, Paris in 2024.
“We thank Matt for his incredible service and stewardship of the Olympic Movement in Australia, and will be forever grateful for his leadership,” he said.
Mr Arbib will commence in the role on Monday 5 May, with a two-week transition period before Mr Carroll departs on Friday 16 May.
