Asialink has announced Rachel Thompson as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Once described as a 'trailblazer of the Australian Public Service', Ms Thompson has built her career at the forefront of public policy, international development finance and economic strategy.
Ms Thompson is currently Executive Director at the Asian Development Bank and will conclude her term in early 2026. She has held multiple senior leadership roles, including concurrently serving as Senior Treasury Representative at the Australian Embassy in Beijing and Alternate Director for Australia's constituency on the Board of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
Ms Thompson is widely recognised for her commitment to advancing Australia's interests and strengthening partnerships across Asia and the Pacific. She will drive the refreshed vision of Asialink as Australia's premier thought leader on Asia and the country's strategic priorities in the region.
"It is an honour to join Asialink at such a transformative moment for Australia's engagement with Asia," Ms Thompson said.
"I am looking forward to collaborating with the outstanding Asialink team, the wider University community, and our partners across the region. We have a great opportunity to build on Asialink's legacy and shape a future where Australia's connections with Asia are deeper, more creative and even more influential, delivering lasting benefits for our country and the region."
University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement), Professor Michael Wesley has welcomed the appointment.
"We are delighted to welcome Rachel Thompson to Asialink and the University of Melbourne," Professor Wesley said. "With her extensive leadership experience, deep understanding of Asia and the Pacific, and global connections, she is ideally placed to steer Asialink through its next phase of growth and shape its future impact."
Ms Thompson takes over from Martine Letts who has been Asialink's Group CEO since 2022. Under Ms Lett's leadership, Asialink has unified its strategy and foundations through key initiatives including the One Asialink Strategy, consolidation of five websites into a single refreshed digital platform and the refurbishment of Asialink's headquarters in the Sidney Myer Asia Centre at the University of Melbourne.
Ms Thompson will start in February 2026, returning to Australia from Manila in the Philippines. Ms Letts will remain with Asialink until March 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.
About Asialink
Asialink is Australia's premier institution for promoting Australia–Asia engagement as a national imperative. It provides insights, develops capabilities and connects people through education, arts, diplomacy and business.
Asialink has more than thirty years of experience working with communities in Australia and across Asia to enhance prosperity, understanding and collaboration. Asialink is a non-academic department of the University of Melbourne under the portfolio of Chancellery Global, Culture and Engagement.
