Top 20 CEOs Transforming Global Business in Australia — 2026
In a rapidly shifting world economy, Australian CEOs are redefining what it means to lead at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, digital disruption and social impact. As technology reshapes industries and global markets face geopolitical uncertainty, these 20 chief executives stand out for steering their organizations into the future, with transformative strategies that elevate not just business performance but their sectors and communities.
From revolutionizing digital ecosystems to pioneering sustainable energy, health and financial services, this list highlights the CEOs whose strategic vision and leadership have marked them as the most influential leaders from Australia in 2026’s global business landscape.
1. Shemara Wikramanayake — Macquarie Group
Shemara Wikramanayake is one of Australia’s most powerful CEOs, renowned for her role as managing director and Group CEO of Macquarie Group — a global financial services powerhouse. As one of the few female executives at this scale, her focus on renewable energy financing and diversified investment strategies has positioned Macquarie at the forefront of global transition financing. Her leadership embodies strategic risk management while advocating for expansion into sustainable and emerging asset classes.
Wikramanayake’s influence extends beyond shareholder returns, as she repeatedly emphasizes sustainability and greater investment in renewable capacity — initiatives that resonate with global institutional investors and shape the broader direction of financial capital toward climate solutions.
2. Vanessa Hudson — Qantas
As the CEO of Qantas, Vanessa Hudson leads Australia’s flagship airline in one of the most challenging eras for global aviation. Her rise to the top of one of the nation’s most iconic brands marks a significant moment for gender leadership in corporate Australia. Under her leadership, Qantas continues to modernize operations, emphasize safety, and navigate the recovery phase post-pandemic while investing in future fleet technology and customer experience initiatives.
Qantas’s strategic focus under Hudson also includes sustainability targets and partnerships aimed at reducing emissions, reinforcing the airline’s global competitiveness and relevance in a decarbonizing economy.
3. Jayne Hrdlicka — Endeavour Group
Jayne Hrdlicka, newly appointed as CEO of Endeavour Group in 2026, is a seasoned executive across airlines, retail and consumer brands. Her broad leadership experience — including roles at Jetstar, The a2 Milk Company and Virgin Australia — brings a unique mix of operational discipline and consumer insight to Endeavour’s portfolio of businesses across liquor and hospitality.
Hrdlicka’s strategic emphasis includes leveraging digital channels and supply chain optimization to heighten customer engagement and expand market reach in Australia and beyond. Her leadership is expected to usher in a new era of growth and diversification for one of the country’s most dynamic consumer business platforms.
4. Merrill Pereyra — Domino’s Australia & New Zealand
Merrill Pereyra steps into the role of CEO of Domino’s Australia and New Zealand in January 2026 with the mandate to reinvigorate growth after a transitional period for the quick-service restaurant chain. With over 30 years of experience across global food franchises, Pereyra’s appointment signals a renewed focus on operational efficiency, franchise relationships and customer experience enhancements.
Pereyra inherits a brand navigating post-pandemic consumer shifts, and his track record suggests an appetite for digital engagement strategies and unit expansion that could power Domino’s back into sustained profitability.
5. Grant Hackett — GDG (Generation Life & Lonsec)
Olympic champion turned financial services CEO, Grant Hackett’s leadership at GDG illustrates the increasing trend of executives crossing industry boundaries to bring fresh perspective to traditional sectors. Under his tenure, GDG has grown through strategic acquisitions and strengthened its offerings in managed accounts, financial products and research services.
Hackett’s emphasis on performance culture and integration of financial planning tools underscores the growing importance of holistic wealth ecosystems that serve both institutional and individual clients.
6. Alastair King — ALPA (Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation)
Though stepping down in mid-2026 after a remarkable 25-year tenure, Alastair King’s leadership of ALPA transformed the organization from a struggling regional enterprise into a multi-site social and economic engine for Aboriginal communities across Northern Australia. His strategic vision expanded training, employment and food security initiatives while building sustainable business infrastructure across remote regions.
King’s legacy highlights the power of purpose-driven leadership that links business success to community empowerment and long-term socio-economic development.
7. Simon Trott — Rio Tinto
As CEO of one of the world’s largest mining companies, Simon Trott’s mantle at Rio Tinto represents a seismic leadership role with global implications. Trott’s strategic overhaul — focusing on core commodities like iron ore, copper and aluminium-lithium — reflects a disciplined pivot that has delivered significant productivity gains and strengthened the company’s competitive position.
Trott’s leadership balances shareholder returns with careful capital allocation, even while reassessing decarbonization timelines and productivity investments. This approach showcases the practical realities of steering legacy industrial giants through transformation without compromising operational integrity.
8. Scott Hartley — Insignia Financial
Scott Hartley, CEO of Insignia Financial, has been a vocal advocate for the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence in wealth management. In 2026, his leadership continues to shape how advisory services leverage technology to improve adviser efficiency and client outcomes.
Hartley steers initiatives that reduce administrative burdens while enhancing digital capabilities — a critical evolution for traditional financial institutions in the digital age.
9. Andrew Yates — KPMG Australia
While not a listed company CEO in the traditional sense, Andrew Yates of KPMG Australia plays a pivotal role influencing CEO decision-making across the private and public sectors. His articulation of AI and technology as the top concern for CEOs in 2026 underscores the strategic urgency for leaders to embed innovation into their core strategies.
Yates’ thought leadership has helped shape executive agendas in Australia and beyond, reinforcing the notion that transformation is no longer optional but essential for long-term competitiveness.
10. Anthony Whitfield — Larrakia Development Corporation
Appointed to lead the Larrakia Development Corporation, Anthony Whitfield’s leadership underscores the expanding definition of business impact — where economic development, cultural advocacy and sustainability converge. Whitfield brings decades of executive experience to his role, with a focus on inclusive growth and community led economic initiatives.
Whitfield’s work strengthens Indigenous business ecosystems while driving entrepreneurship and enterprise pathways that benefit both local communities and broader markets.
11. Matthew Daley — South32
As the incoming CEO of South32 in 2026, Matthew Daley’s leadership is poised to continue the company’s strategic shift toward base metals critical for energy transition such as copper. His experience from global mining powerhouses signals a focus on supply reliability, cost discipline and strategic portfolio positioning for a sustainable future.
Daley’s leadership journey reflects the importance of global mindset and resource allocation discipline in heavy industry.
12. Ethan Clark — OzMining
Ethan Clark of OzMining represents a new breed of mining leadership where sustainability is not an add-on but a core business imperative. Clark has pioneered carbon neutrality pathways and deployed renewable energy technologies within heavy industry — proving that environmental stewardship and profitability are not mutually exclusive.
By reducing emissions and introducing eco-efficient operations, OzMining under Clark exemplifies how traditional sectors can lead in both performance and sustainability.
13. Mark Johnson — Helios Energy
In the renewable energy space, Mark Johnson’s leadership at Helios Energy marks a sector shift toward scalable, clean power solutions. Helios has delivered major solar and energy storage projects, capturing market demand for sustainable infrastructure while attracting significant investment.
Johnson’s work reinforces that energy companies focused on renewables can achieve both economic growth and ecological benefit — a blueprint for future power markets.
14. Tim Kelsey — Hunter Healthcare
Tim Kelsey, leading Hunter Healthcare, represents the intersection of health services and digital innovation. His leadership reflects an evolving sector where health outcomes are intertwined with intelligent data systems, patient engagement technologies, and global collaboration.
Kelsey’s experience — including public-sector digital health strategy — positions Hunter Healthcare to tackle complex challenges in population health management and technological integration.
15. Ralph Norris — Strategic Business Leadership
While not currently a CEO of a major Australian listed company, Sir Ralph Norris’s legacy in corporate transformation and leadership shapes how executives think about culture, customer value and performance alignment. His strategic work continues to influence corporate boards and executive teams across sectors including finance and investment.
Norris’ contributions to executive leadership define the expectations for transformation with accountability — a valued template for emerging CEOs.
16. Cori Stewart — ARM Hub
Cori Stewart leads Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM Hub), an organization driving innovation in robotics and advanced manufacturing — sectors crucial for Australia’s industrial competitiveness. Her leadership fosters collaboration between industry, universities and government to accelerate R&D commercialization.
Stewart’s emphasis on workforce capability and technology adoption highlights how advanced automation is becoming central to national productivity and global competitiveness.
17. Global Fintech and Digital Leaders
Across Australia’s digital economy, CEOs in fintech and payments — including leaders of firms embracing open banking, blockchain and AI-driven customer platforms — are reshaping how commerce flows. These leaders may not all be household names yet, but their innovations influence how consumers and enterprises transact day to day.
Their work propels Australia into a digital-first future where seamless, border-agnostic financial services are the norm.
18. Retail and Consumer Sector Innovators
Within the retail and consumer sectors, CEOs who have pivoted toward omnichannel strategies, data analytics-driven personalization, and sustainable product lines are redefining how Australians shop. Brands that excel in customer engagement and ethical sourcing are now global benchmarks for responsible retail leadership.
19. Health Tech Visionaries
Executives leading health tech companies — from telehealth platforms to AI-assisted diagnostics — are shaping the future of healthcare delivery in Australia and internationally. Their strategies focus on scaling access, improving clinical accuracy, and reducing systemic inefficiencies through smart technology.
20. Climate-Driven Corporate Leaders
Finally, CEOs who prioritize climate resilience, carbon reduction targets and circular economy practices are influencing global supply chains and investor capital flows. These leaders understand that climate risk is business risk, and their strategies reflect long-term planning that aligns financial performance with environmental stewardship.
Conclusion: Australian Leadership on the World Stage
The CEOs featured here exemplify how leadership must evolve in an era of complex global challenges and opportunities. Whether by embracing AI and digital transformation, pivoting legacy industries toward sustainability, or fostering community-centred economic growth, these leaders demonstrate that strong business performance and social impact can go hand in hand.
In 2026, the role of the CEO is no longer limited to financial stewardship — it encompasses technological foresight, cultural leadership, resilience in the face of disruption, and a commitment to broader societal progress. Their influence stretches beyond corporate walls, shaping how Australia competes and collaborates in a deeply interconnected global economy.
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