SYDNEY — Australia's corporate scene in 2026 features a fresh wave of dynamic leaders stepping into prominent roles or scaling high-growth companies amid economic optimism, AI adoption and sector disruption. While established names continue to dominate headlines, a cohort of rising CEOs — many newly appointed or driving rapid expansion in fintech, retail, health tech and renewables — is gaining attention for their strategic vision and results.

Analysts point to strong CEO confidence, with surveys showing Australian leaders more bullish on revenue growth and sector expansion than in recent years. New appointments at major firms and founders scaling unicorns or listed entities highlight a blend of experienced operators and entrepreneurial talent. Here are 10 rising CEOs frequently cited in 2026 business commentary for their momentum and potential impact.

Jayne Hrdlicka
Jayne Hrdlicka
  1. Jayne Hrdlicka, Endeavour Group — Appointed managing director and CEO effective January 2026, Hrdlicka brings extensive turnaround experience from Jetstar, Virgin Australia and a2 Milk. Tasked with steering the liquor and hospitality giant (owner of Dan Murphy's and BWS), she has signaled plans to retain the dual retail-hotels model while optimizing digital channels and supply chains for the next growth phase.
  2. Merrill Pereyra, Domino's Pizza Enterprises (Australia & New Zealand) — Named CEO in January 2026, Pereyra, a veteran of global quick-service restaurants including Pizza Hut, oversees more than 880 stores in Domino's largest market. His mandate focuses on operational efficiency, franchise relations, digital ordering and expansion to reverse recent challenges and reignite sales growth.
  3. Jack Zhang, Airwallex — As founder and CEO of the global fintech unicorn, Zhang continues to expand cross-border payments infrastructure. Airwallex's rejection of a major acquisition offer and partnerships with high-profile brands underscore his role in positioning Australia as a fintech exporter, with the company scaling rapidly in 2025-2026.
  4. Tim Doyle, Eucalyptus — Co-founder and CEO of the digital health platform operating telehealth clinics, Doyle has driven Eucalyptus to prominence in consumer healthcare. His focus on execution, brand strategy and technology integration has helped the company navigate regulatory hurdles and expand services, marking it as a key player in Australia's health tech surge.
  5. Cameron van den Dungen, Sleeptite — Founder and CEO of the deep-tech life sciences firm developing assistive technology and smart bedding solutions, van den Dungen has earned recognition as one of Australia's top innovators. His work in advanced manufacturing and elderly care tech positions Sleeptite for growth in an ageing population market.
  6. Ben Thompson, Employment Hero — CEO and co-founder of the HR software unicorn, Thompson took home the Technology category at the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 awards. The platform's mission to simplify employment globally has fueled rapid scaling, with AI features enhancing its appeal to businesses of all sizes.
  7. Matthew Daley, South32 — Incoming CEO in 2026, Daley is set to lead the diversified miner with a focus on base metals critical for the energy transition, including copper. His emphasis on cost discipline, portfolio optimization and reliable supply chains aligns with growing global demand for resources supporting renewables and electrification.
  8. Cori Stewart, ARM Hub — Leading the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub, Stewart drives collaboration in robotics, R&D commercialization and technology adoption across industries. Her work fosters innovation ecosystems, helping Australian manufacturers compete through advanced automation and industry partnerships.
  9. Katrina Leslie, Swipejobs — The low-profile founder and CEO has quietly built Swipejobs into an AI-powered jobs platform, recently reaching billionaire status. Plans for an ASX listing highlight her role in transforming recruitment through technology, with the company gaining traction in a competitive labor market.
  10. Ethan Clark, OzMining — As a representative of the new generation of mining leaders, Clark integrates sustainability and renewable energy technologies into operations. His approach to carbon-neutral practices and eco-efficient mining reflects broader industry shifts toward responsible resource extraction amid climate pressures.

These leaders operate in a context of surging CEO confidence, with nearly half of Australian executives expressing strong optimism for revenue growth in 2026 surveys. AI investment, sector expansion via M&A and talent challenges dominate boardroom discussions, creating opportunities for agile executives.

Many on this list are either newly installed in large organizations or scaling founder-led businesses that have achieved unicorn or near-unicorn status. Their rises reflect Australia's strengths in fintech, resources, health tech and advanced manufacturing, even as traditional sectors like retail and mining adapt to digital and sustainability demands.

Challenges remain, including talent shortages in AI and cybersecurity, regulatory hurdles and global economic uncertainties. Yet the selected CEOs are noted for resilience, innovation focus and ability to execute amid complexity.

Observers say 2026 could mark a pivotal year for corporate Australia, with new leadership injecting fresh strategies into established firms while entrepreneurial CEOs push global boundaries from Sydney and Melbourne hubs.

Other names frequently mentioned in rising talent conversations include founders in health tech, robotics and green energy, as well as executives advancing Indigenous-led businesses and loyalty programs. Awards such as EY Entrepreneur Of The Year and various 40 Under 40 lists continue to spotlight emerging executives.

As the year progresses, performance under pressure — from shareholder expectations to geopolitical risks — will test these leaders. Early indicators suggest several are well-positioned to deliver growth and set benchmarks for Australian business.

Investors, recruiters and aspiring executives are watching closely, as these rising CEOs embody the blend of experience, innovation and adaptability defining corporate success in 2026.