Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand Major Museums Invest in the next generation of cultural leaders, 13 August 2026
Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to develop the cultural leaders of the future, the Council of Australasian Museum Directors (CAMD) has launched the sixth year of its Executive Mentoring Program supporting the next generation of museum leadership. Since its inception, the program has achieved significant results, helping future leaders across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand accelerate their professional growth and career progression.
The original program ran between 2016–2019 and was revived in 202/25, focussing on advancing gender diversity and supporting women into executive leadership. In 2016, only 20% of CAMD Directors/CEO’s were women. There are now more than 50%, a testament to the power of deliberate, sustained investment in people through mentoring. Since then, the program has expanded to include both women and men in the sector.
The program, which includes pairing participants with experienced directors and cultural sector leaders as mentors, has seen four former mentees now leading Australia’s major cultural institutions and two as Deputy CEOs.
Others have been promoted while more than 85% report improved performance, stronger professional networks and communications, broader perspectives and greater clarity about their career pathways.
This year, 17 participants have been selected from across museum disciplines, including those heading up exhibitions, history, science research, technology, operations, audience development and First Nations engagement. Each will be mentored by a senior museum professional or director selected to complement their career aspirations.
CAMD Chair, and Director & CEO of the Australian Museum, Kim McKay AO, who originally initiated the program 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 in my career and they still do. You can underestimate the value of having a sounding board who has lived through similar experiences and who can offer insights and advice in an independent and supportive way which is why mentoring gives leaders the confidence to succeed,” Ms McKay said.
“Museums across the region are navigating an increasingly complex environment needing to meet the diverse and evolving needs of our communities. Building a strong leadership pipeline isn’t optional, it’s essential and the results of the CAMD program demonstrate that the investment in people pays off,” she said.
Over ten months, participants will take 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.
The program culminates at a graduation ceremony at a participating museum, bringing together mentees, mentors, directors and peers to celebrate the achievements and cement the relationships built throughout the year.
The program has been developed and facilitated by leadership specialists McCarthy Mentoring, who deliver workshops, structured guidance, resources and tools throughout the 10 month program.
McCarthy Mentoring CEO Sophie McCarthy said it was a privilege to work with such an exceptional group. “The participants are impressive future leaders, bringing 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.