The American Australian Association Ltd Sydney (AAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of the Hon. John Olsen AO as Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chairman of the Association. Mr. Olsen replaces the Association’s founding CEO, who will be leaving to pursue other interests.

"The Association is delighted to welcome John as its next CEO. His broad diplomatic, political and professional experience in both the United States and Australia will be invaluable in continuing to build the Association and the relationship between Australia and the United States," said Malcolm Binks, Chairman of the Association. "There are many important issues that will need to be addressed over the next few years and John’s background will be exceptionally helpful in moving these matters forward."

Mr. Olsen’s most recent appointment was as Australia’s Consul-General in New York. Previously, he had been Consul-General in Los Angeles, Premier of South Australia and a Senator for South Australia in the Federal Parliament. He has spearheaded the development of the highly successful G’Day USA programme with which he will continue to be involved.

"While we welcome John’s appointment, we are very sorry to see Geoff leave the AAA. He has led the AAA with distinction since its establishment in Sydney in 2007. We owe Geoff a great deal for his enthusiasm and good judgment in building the Association and putting it on a firm footing in Australia” said Mr. Binks. “We hope he will continue to be involved in the AAA’s activities in the future.”

Mr. Olsen said: ”He looked forward to the challenge ahead, particularly building on the important relationship between Australia and the United States. The AAA has earned an exceptional reputation as a not-for-profit providing valuable linkages between business, government and our two nations.”

Mr. Gray said ” that despite the challenging economic environment over the last couple of years, the Association has been able to host a number of major fund-raising events, and at the same time grow our membership. We have also ensured the security of funding for the United States Study Centre, a key partner here in Sydney in building a closer relationship with the USA.”

Mr. Olsen and Mr. Gray will serve as joint Chief Executive Officers during the transition from March 1 until April 14, when Mr. Olsen will assume full responsibility.

American Australian Association Ltd is affiliated with the American Australian Association Inc, New York, the largest privately funded organization devoted to building the strategic alliance between the United States and Australia.