Minerva Chair and Co-Founder Christine McLoughlin AM is thrilled to share the news and her congratulations on the appointment of Minerva Co-Founder, Director and Mentor Sam Mostyn AO as Australia’s next Governor-General.
“Sam will be sworn in as the country’s 28th Governor-General – the second woman and first business leader to hold the office – on 1 July 2024,” Christine said.
“I have been both proud and privileged to study and work alongside Sam since we first met at the Australian National University as law students.
“Sam’s extensive career spans many sectors from business to community, sport and arts and culture. In every endeavour her circle of friends and business colleagues inevitably become involved.
“Sam has driven positive change in our nation across business, sport, the arts, the not for profit sector and social issues and I cannot think of a better person to be appointed Australia’s 28th Governor-General.
“Sam has proactively contributed in the not for profit sector for decades now. Her heart is as big as our nation and she leans into and addresses significant social issues and opportunities, always with a view to enabling people to fulfil their potential.
“Most recently Sam and I have worked closely together in co-founding and establishing the Minerva Network along with our fellow co-founders Romilly Madew AO, Kate Aitken and Sue Cato AM.
“Sam’s influence has been critical in enabling us to achieve so much since our establishment in 2016 through to today where we have a national footprint with esteemed state and territory leaders in Ann Sherry AO and Professor Sarah Kelly OAM in Queensland, Liesel Wett OAM and Gabrielle Curtin in ACT, Romilly Madew AO and Jane Spring in NSW, Sally Macindoe and Kate Palmer AM in Victoria, and Christina Matthews AM in WA.
“The Minerva Network has transformed the business playing field for women in sport and now represents over 700 of Australia’s finest athletes from more than 75 sports – many of whom are now outstanding leaders in their communities – supporting them to excel both on and off the field through pro bono mentoring and development programs.
“We are enabling the next generation of women leaders and role models in Australia with Sam and our Minerva board, council and more than 330 businesswomen across the country volunteering their time to pass on their skills and experiences to these exceptional sportswomen.
“Sam has been a magnificent role model for a new generation of young Australians at the Minerva Network, and she inspires us all with her resilience, compassion and generosity of spirit.
“Sam also personally mentors two athletes including the incomparable Paralympian and wheelchair marathon champion Madison de Rozario OAM and emerging water polo talent Inde Halligan who is currently part of the Harvard Collegiate Team.”
Sam said she was "deeply honoured" by the invitation to serve in the office.
"I will never underestimate or take for granted the expectations that come with high office and I am ready to serve with integrity, compassion, and respect,” Sam said.
“I look forward to representing the values, hopes and aspirations of all Australians."
Apart from her pivotal role in co-founding the Minerva Network, Sam heads the Prime Minister’s Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce and was the first female AFL Commissioner and a driving force behind the AFLW.
Her impressive career in the Australian business community includes senior telecommunications and insurance roles in Australia and globally. She has also held non-executive roles on boards including Transurban, Virgin Australia, and has been chair of Citibank Australia. She currently chairs AWARE Super and Alberts Music Group and is on the board of Mirvac.
She has chaired Beyond Blue, the Foundation of Young Australians, Australians Investing in Women, Ausfilm and the Australian National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety and Australian Volunteers International. She was previously President of the Australian Council for International Development and President of Chief Executive Women as well as a National Mental Health Commissioner.
