AOC appoints new head honcho in lead-up to Brisbane Games

The Australian Olympic Committee has announced its new chief executive who will lead the organisation in the lead-up to the Brisbane Games.

Former Labor senator Mark Arbib has been appointed the new chief executive of the Australian Olympic Committee.

Arbib takes over from outgoing chief executive Matt Carroll, putting him in charge of the organisation in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Games.

Arbib was a sports minister in the Julia Gillard government and instrumental in the leadership challenge against then prime minister Kevin Rudd.

He has served on the AOC executive committee since 2016 and had a six-year tenure as the president of Athletics Australia.

“It’s an honour to help lead this great movement,” Arbib said.

“The Olympics are the pinnacle of sport – both in Australia and across the globe.

Mark Arbib has been appointed the new chief executive of the Australian Olympic Committee. Picture: Supplied/AOC

“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 first-hand the extraordinary power of the Olympic Movement to unite and transform lives.”

The 53-year-old left politics in 2012 when he resigned as a Labor senator.

He led a governance review into Australian Rugby Union and has served on the boards of the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney FC.

“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,” AOC president Ian Chesterman said.