Sarah McCann-Bartlett is new chief executive officer at the Australian HR Institute.

The board of directors at AHRI said the appointment follows an extensive national and international executive search, undertaken during the second half of last year.

McCann-Bartlett comes to this role after serving as the director general (CEO) of the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA) in London from September 2011 to December 2019. She has returned to Melbourne with her family and will take up this appointment on 3 February and will be based in Melbourne.

"On behalf of the AHRI Board, our State Councils, staff, and all our members, I am extremely pleased to welcome Sarah as AHRIs new CEO. Sarah has had an outstanding record as a senior executive and CEO during her career to date," says AHRI chairman Peter Wilson.

"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," he says.

"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."

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 organisation. It is the driver behind a strong and agile culture that delivers for a companys people and customers," she says

"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. Im 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. She 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

"I'm looking forward to getting my feet under the desk and working with the AHRI team, Board, State Councils and members. I can't wait to talk to our members and hear about how AHRI can best meet their needs and help prepare and position the profession for the future," McCann-Bartlett adds.

McCann-Bartlett takes over from Lyn Goodear who is stepping down from the role as CEO of AHRI.

"The Board of Directors, staff, councillors and members of AHRI all thank Lyn for her service to this Institute over the past 15 years including the last seven years as its CEO. We wish Lyn and her family all the very best for the future," says Wilson.