Y Australia confirms Alexandra Ash as Chief Executive

Following its 107th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday 23rd November, The Y Australia has announced its newly appointed Directors while also confirming Alexandra Ash as Chief Executive.

Ash, who has been the Y’s acting Chief Executive since May, was confirmed in the role after an intensive executive search in market.

Advising of the appointment, Y Australia President, Amelia Shaw stated “Alex continues to be a driving force of the Y’s strategy and vision, consulting and collaborating with all members of the movement to progress Vision 2030. She has been involved with the Y for most of her life and is an experienced CEO, Executive and non-executive board director, having most recently been CEO of Gymnastics Australia.”

At the AGM, the following directors of Y Australia, were also appointed:

• Renee Hancock, as nominated by Y Victoria

• Brandon Howard, as nominated by Y Geelong

• Aaron Froud, independent director

• Lucinda Gibson, independent director

• Roger Sharp, independent director

• Leigh Johns, as nominated by Y NSW (reappointed)

• Thomas Stephenson, as nominated by Y Queensland (reappointed)

They will be joining the standing directors: Christopher Lewis, Kendal Moss, Gaurav Sareen and Amelia Shaw and we look forward to their contributions to the Movement. 

In addition to this, Shaw will continue as President, Johns as Vice President and Stephenson as Treasurer.

In announcing the new Directors, the Y also acknowledged the commitment and dedication of departing board members Jenny McCombe and Laurice Temple.

Speaking of their achievements, Shaw advised “a heartfelt thank you to our Presidents, CEOs, board members, Life Governors, and dedicated staff for joining us at the 2024 AGM. Together, we celebrated the past year’s achievements and ignited our passion for creating a future world where young people thrive and lead the way.” 

Welcoming her appointment, Ash stated “the Y Movement is so special to me. It is an absolute privilege to lead Y Australia. I hold the Y in tremendous esteem in my career, and now, the overwhelming feeling to that of what I still have to give. I’d like to thank Y Members for their support and I look forward to continuing working closely with Y Member CEO’s, the board and our broader Movement to achieve great things here at the Y.”

Ash is also President of Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, a role she took on in December last year.

The Y publishes Reconciliation Action Plan
This week has also seen The Y publish its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan.

In a statement, The Y advised “the formal endorsement of our first ever RAP will push our organisation to reflect on what we can do to advance reconciliation with First Peoples.”

Image: Alexandra Ash. Credit: Y Australia.