SA congratulates Mark Arbib new AOC CEO

Keefer Wilson competes at Paris 2024

Skate Australia congratulates Mark Arbib on his appointment as Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) Chief Executive today.

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.

Skate Australia President, Dr Phil Hamdorf, said the Skate community welcomes Arbib to the top job and looks forward to working with him. 

“Congratulations to Mark Arbib on behalf of the entire skate community,” said Hamdorf

“Mark’s background across sport administration and governance along with his experience within high levels of government makes for an excellent appointment to the Australian Olympic Committee leadership role and we welcome his arrival as we commence our work towards LA 28.”

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 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.