Australian Rugby Union Welcomes Ann Sherry AO To The Board

from Australia Rugby:

Australian Rugby Union has written a new chapter in the game’s history today, announcing its first female Board appointment with the CEO of Carnival Australia, Ann Sherry AO, replacing outgoing Director Rick Lee.

ARU Chairman, Michael Hawker AM, welcomed the appointment of Ms Sherry.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Ann to the Board,” Mr Hawker said.

“Ann brings with her a great deal of experience in a range of different fields including commercial, political and social justice.

“This experience and expertise will complement the skills and talents currently sitting around the table.

“The inclusion of Rugby Sevens in the 2016 Olympic Games provides a unique opportunity to grow the game beyond Rugby’s traditional areas of support, particularly with girls and women.

“I am confident that Ann’s appointment, together with the Olympic opportunities and ARU’s focus on Rugby Sevens, will encourage more female participation in the sports of Rugby Union and Rugby Sevens.”

At the helm of Carnival Australia, the largest cruise ship operator in Australasia, Ms Sherry has overseen a period where the industry has doubled its growth since 2007.

For 12 years prior to taking up the role of CEO at Carnival Australia Ms Sherry was CEO, Westpac New Zealand and also spent time as the Bank of Melbourne CEO and Group Executive of People & Performance at Westpac.

Ms Sherry was also the First Assistant Secretary of the Office of the Status of Women in Canberra, advising the Prime Minister on policies and programmes to improve the status of
Women and was Australia’s representative to the United Nations forums on human rights and women’s rights.

Ms Sherry’s appointment follows a number of announcements related to the roles of women in Rugby in the past week.

Former Wallaroo and Rugby World Cup Sevens winning captain, Cheryl Soon was appointed to the IRB’s Rugby Committee while ARU also announced a new partnership with UN Women Australia.

Ms Sherry said she was pleased to be joining the ARU Board in what is an exciting time for Rugby both on and off the field.

“The appointment of women to elite sports governance bodies in Australia reflects commercial governance trends,” Ms Sherry said.

“I’m pleased to be joining the board as Australian Rugby evolves, joins the Olympic family and expands its participation.”