Arbib was a campaign director for the NSW state election in 2007 before being elected to the Senate later that year.

After leaving federal politics, Arbib spent a decade as a senior executive with James Packer’s private investment company, including on the billionaire’s Crown Sydney casino venture.

He has also been a director of Sydney FC and the South Sydney Rabbitohs, on whose board he sat representing James Packer’s Consolidated Press Holdings.

Global executive recruitment firm Ogden Berndtson was hired by the AOC to conduct an international search.

“It’s an honour to help lead this great movement,” Arbib said in a statement. “The Olympics are the pinnacle of sport – both in Australia and across the globe.

“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.”

Arbib’s appointment comes ahead of a crucial period for Australian sport, seven years from the Brisbane Olympics.

The AOC will take a back seat in some respect as planning ramps up for Brisbane 2032, handing over management of its commercial rights to the organising committee from 2027.

However, the boss of the Circular Quay-based organisation will remain a key figure as another home Olympics approaches, with strengthening ties to national sporting federations and government among his top priorities.

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The AOC is also in charge of Australia’s Olympic teams ahead of winter Games in Milano Cortina (2026) and the French Alps (2030), and the 2028 summer edition in Los Angeles before Brisbane 2032.

More to come