The Board of Advance – The Global Australian Network (Advance) is delighted to announce the appointment of Kate McQuestin as Chief Executive Officer.  

Kate takes up the role from Johanna Pitman who successfully led Advance through the challenges of Covid and has grown its membership and reputation over the last four years. 

Advance Chairman, Andrew Low said: 

“The board would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Johanna’s service to Advance and her valuable contribution to building the global network.”

“Johanna has been instrumental in strengthening our global Australian network, expanding the iconic Global Australian Awards, and launching the successful Talent Return and NextGen programs to support Australians at critical points in their global career.” 

“We are excited she is handing on the baton to Kate. An accomplished public and private sector executive with more than 20 years experience in team leadership, government, communications, public affairs and stakeholder engagement.”

“A skilled executive who has worked and lived in the United States of America, United Kingdom, Europe, Japan and Australia where she has embraced opportunities, established networks and gained a deep understanding of the expatriate experience.” 

Outgoing Advance CEO, Johanna Pitman said:

“It has been an immense privilege to lead an organisation like Advance that exists to strengthen Australia’s global engagement. Having joined Advance as a member when it was first launched in 2002, I have witnessed the stewardship of this organisation by dedicated CEOs, board members and generous volunteers over more than two decades. I am deeply proud of what our team accomplished and what we have contributed to the evolution of Advance. As the organisation transitions into this next chapter, I know the impact of Advance will continue to grow under Kate’s leadership, as she brings great passion and vision for our Global Australian Network.”

Incoming Advance CEO, Kate McQuestin said:

“I am thrilled to be joining such an impactful not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing our nation by connecting, empowering, and championing Australia’s people, culture and expertise globally. An organisation with an exceptionally accomplished board, compelling mission and enormous capability.” 

“Currently, there are around one million Australians living overseas. Our most immediate priority is to harness this immense talent, skills and experiences effectively and unlock opportunity for all Australians through beneficial collaborations, meaningful connections, efficient knowledge sharing and purposeful events.”

“It’s about removing hurdles and opening up the world for all Australians – no matter where individuals or companies are on their journey – whether they are about to embark, currently abroad, recently returned or have never physically left.”

“Empowering Australians to make most of the enormous opportunities we face now and in the future by working together, as a powerful network of individuals, businesses and governments, to increase our global competitiveness and ensure the benefits of globalisation are enhanced, shared and flow to every Australian.”

“Australians are having enormous success on the global stage right now from business, innovation and technology to arts and culture, which we tend to shy away from celebrating. We should be proud. I am really looking forward to helping champion Australian success across the globe in this role and will be working very hard to amplify it.”

Kate’s professional experience includes leadership roles, running her own businesses and serving on other boards in the education, arts, health and not-for-profit sectors.  

She has worked for and with a range of global companies, industry groups and organisations including News Corporation, WPP, Foxtel, McQ Media, Athena Home Loans, Wunderman Thompson, Sony, Nissan, HPS Jardine and New Jersey Department of Education – collaborating with a wide variety of stakeholders on complex issues across diverse cultures and markets.

Kate has also worked for the Prime Minister of Australia, a variety of Australian Government Ministers, as well as a State Minister, serving in a range of roles in Government including Chief of Staff.  

Born and educated in Tasmania, Kate now lives in Sydney with her family. She is also a Non-Executive Director of Rare Cancers Australia. 

Media contact: Kate McQuestin on [email protected] or 0411 839 174