Global Australians launches Michael Cannon-Brookes initiative
Michael Cannon-Brookes has been honoured by Global Australians for an international career across banking, technology, consulting and executive leadership, as well as decades spent mentoring Australians at home and overseas.
In his honour, the organisation launched the Global Australians Mentoring Initiative. It will link emerging Australians with experienced leaders to speed up careers, widen networks and create opportunities around the world.
The award recognises Australians whose work has created lasting value in Australia and internationally. It also marks a commitment to helping other people succeed.
Cannon-Brookes arrived in Australia from Hong Kong in 1984 as Managing Director of Citibank. He then secured the bank’s Australian banking licence and helped establish its local presence.
Later, he held senior leadership roles at Westpac. After that, he moved into technology, led IBM’s banking division and became IBM’s Vice President of Global Strategy for Growth Markets in Shanghai.
He also became the first Managing Director of Freehills. In that role, he helped shift the firm from a traditional legal practice into a modern professional services business.
Alongside those jobs, Cannon-Brookes spent decades mentoring dozens of Australians. According to Global Australians, he opened doors, shared advice and helped people find opportunities they may not otherwise have had.
Kate McQuestin tribute
Global Australians chief executive Kate McQuestin described him as widely admired for both his career and his support for others. She said she had met many Australians in Singapore, Hong Kong, New York, London and Sydney who spoke about his impact on their careers and lives.
“I am genuinely humbled by this recognition,” Cannon-Brookes said. “The truth is that mentoring has never felt like a responsibility to me. It has always been a privilege.”
The organisation also highlighted more than 20 years of his volunteer service. That work included support for the Shanghai Chapter in 2008 and board service from 2012 to 2025.
Tributes came from his son, Mike Cannon-Brookes Jr, as well as mentees, colleagues and senior Australian figures. Those named included Doug Ferguson, Sally Loane AM, Adrian Turner, Ken Allen AO, Josephine Linden AM, Yasmin Allen AM, Melanie Brock AM, Arthur Sinodinos AO and David Thodey AO.
Global Australians said those tributes pointed to the same themes: generosity, humility, leadership and a long commitment to helping Australians succeed in Australia and abroad.
Meanwhile, the new mentoring programme will sit beside Global Australians’ Career Pathways programme, Global Leaders Circle and Global Australian Awards. The organisation also said its data shows 75% of Australians abroad want to give back to Australia.
