The Board of Directors of the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) has appointed Sarah McCann-Bartlett as its Chief Executive Officer. McCann-Bartlett takes over from Lyn Goodear who is stepping down from the role as CEO of AHRI.

McCann-Bartlett accepted this role after serving as the Director General (CEO) of the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA) in London from September 2011 to December 2019.

 “On behalf of the AHRI Board, our State Councils, staff, and all our members, I am extremely pleased to welcome Sarah as AHRI’s new CEO. Sarah has had an outstanding record as a senior executive and CEO during her career to date,” AHRI Chairman Peter Wilson said.

“Sarah brings advanced business, commercial, and marketing skills to this role, developed from senior positions within a very competitive industry, and also global experience as the CEO of a major industry membership body during the last eight years in the United Kingdom. She also has a close understanding of regulatory and public policy issues in Victoria and Australia, that will serve us well as the new CEO of this Institute,” Wilson further stated.

McCann-Bartlett said she is delighted to be taking on the role of AHRI CEO. “I‘m very interested in the influence that the HR profession has on so many aspects of an organization. It is the driver behind a strong and agile culture that delivers for a company’s people and customers.

“As the leading professional HR Association in Australia, AHRI plays a key role in advocating for the profession and ensuring it thrives into the future. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to take on the leadership responsibility for such an important body.”

McCann-Bartlett has held a number of senior executive positions at the Victorian Building and Plumbing Industry Commissions, including as Deputy Commissioner. Sarah has also held roles representing and supporting the Australian wool industry with the Australian Wool Corporation and its successor The Woolmark Company in Melbourne, the UK and New York where she held the role of President and Group Manager, Americas. Sarah holds Commerce and Arts degrees from the University of Melbourne, an MBA from Monash University, and postgraduate qualifications in marketing. She is a Fellow of the UK Institute of Directors.