MUSEUMS INVEST IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF CULTURAL LEADERS
COUNCIL OF AUSTRALASIAN MUSEUM DIRECTORS
Key Facts:- The Council of Australasian Museum Directors (CAMD) has completed its Executive Mentoring Program, pairing 25 emerging museum leaders with experienced directors and cultural sector leaders across Australia and New Zealand over ten months.
- Participants took part in leadership workshops, discussion forums, site visits and networking events, with reported outcomes including improved performance, stronger professional networks and greater career clarity, with some participants receiving promotions upon completing the programme.
- CAMD Chair Kim McKay AO highlighted the growing importance of developing future museum leaders, noting that mentoring gives leaders the confidence to succeed whilst helping institutions navigate increasing complexity.
- The programme was developed and facilitated by leadership specialists McCarthy Mentoring, building on an earlier CAMD initiative run between 2015 and 2019 that focused on advancing women into executive leadership. today, more than half of all CAMD Directors are women.
- The programme concluded with a graduation ceremony at Melbourne Museum, bringing together participants, directors and peers to celebrate achievements and the professional relationships formed throughout the year.
The Council of Australasian Museum Directors (CAMD) has delivered its landmark Executive Mentoring Program, demonstrating measurable impact for 25 high-performing future museum leaders who were paired with some of the most experienced directors and cultural sector leaders across Australia and New Zealand.
CAMD Chair, and Director and CEO of the Australian Museum, Kim McKay AO, said the pipeline of future museum leaders has become increasingly important. The decisions made in our museums today will shape communities for generations and that demands exceptional leadership and insight.
“Mentors have played an important role throughout my career and they still do. You can't underestimate the value of having a sounding board who has lived through the experience already and who can offer insights and advice in an independent and supportive way. Mentoring gives leaders the confidence to succeed,” Ms McKay said.
“Our museums are navigating increasing complexity while meeting the diverse and evolving needs of our communities. Building a strong leadership pipeline isn't optional, it's essential. The results of the CAMD program show that investment in people pays off,” she said.
Over ten months, 25 participants took part in leadership workshops, discussion forums, site visits and curated networking events, all designed to sharpen their strategic thinking, deepen sector knowledge and build the connections that matter.
Participants reported improved performance, stronger professional networks, broader perspectives and greater clarity about their career pathways. Some were even promoted after completing the course.
The program culminated in a graduation ceremony at Melbourne Museum, bringing together participants, directors and peers to celebrate the achievements and cement the relationships built throughout the year.
The program was developed and facilitated by leadership specialists McCarthy Mentoring, who delivered workshops, structured guidance, resources and tools throughout the 10 month program.
This initiative builds on CAMD's earlier program with McCarthy Mentoring (2015–2019), which focused on advancing gender diversity and supporting women into executive leadership. Today, more than half of all CAMD Directors are women, a testament to the
power of deliberate, sustained investment in people.
McCarthy Mentoring CEO Sophie McCarthy said it was a privilege to work with such an exceptional group.
“This cohort brought real dedication and openness to growth. The work they do in our cultural institutions matters and investing in their leadership is an investment in the communities those institutions serve,” she said.
The 2025/2026 mentees included:
Michael Baldwin, Belinda Baur, Mark Bayliss, Lauren Bourke, Rebecca Britt, Eleanor Cave, Lucy Clark, Josef de Beer, Brenan Dew, Julie Ellmers, Vanessa Gardos, Angie Good, Mathew Le Breton Poll, Nanette Louchart, Fletcher, Megan O'Sullivan, Melanie Piddocke, Dr. Melanie Pitkin, Helen Privett, Zoe Richardson, Penny Russell, Hanna Scott, Steven Sparrey, Simon Wetherill, Leanne
Woods and Bella Wren.
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About us:
About CAMD
The Council of Australasian Museum Directors (CAMD) was founded in 1967 and represents 24 major museums across Australia and New Zealand. The organisation provides strategic leadership and advocacy for the sector, contributes to national conversations around cultural heritage and science, and runs initiatives including a national mentoring program to develop the next generation of museum leaders and conducts an annual survey of museum attendances and trends across the region. Visit camd.org.au
About McCarthy Mentoring
McCarthy Mentoring is a Sydney based consulting group that works globally with organisations to inspire and develop their emerging and current leaders. Established in 1998, it offers a suite of mentoring, coaching and leadership programs for senior
executives and high potential employees. Partnering with leading companies across the corporate, government and not for profit
sectors, it designs programs that drive change, engage people and develop leaders. Success is measured in terms of retention, engagement and promotion. Sophie McCarthy has been the owner and CEO since 2012 and with Director, Tessa Sexton, has overseen
the company’s growth and expansion into regional markets to meet the needs of global clients.
Contact details:
Please contact Leigh Russell [email protected]