Australia has long been known for its vast natural resources, thriving financial institutions, and innovative businesses that play an important role in the global economy. As we move into 2025, the country continues to produce a remarkable group of business leaders who are not only at the helm of powerful corporations but also among the wealthiest individuals in the region. These CEOs have amassed significant fortunes through a combination of leadership, equity stakes, and strategic investments. Their wealth reflects not just the strength of the industries they represent but also their ability to adapt to evolving market trends and economic challenges. In this article, we take a detailed look at the top 10 richest CEOs in Australia 2025, examining their companies, sectors, and the factors that contribute to their extraordinary financial success.

The Economic Landscape in Australia

Australia’s economy has remained resilient, with its strength built on sectors like mining, banking, energy, and increasingly, technology. Despite global uncertainties, the Australian market has shown steady growth driven by demand for resources, a stable financial system, and strong trade relations with Asia. CEOs leading companies in these industries not only enjoy immense wealth but also wield great influence in shaping the nation’s economic direction. Their decisions impact jobs, investments, and the global perception of Australian businesses.

Top 10 Richest CEOs in Australia 2025

1. Gina Rinehart, Executive Chair of Hancock Prospecting

Gina Rinehart continues to dominate as Australia’s wealthiest executive leader in 2025. Although she is often described as a mining magnate rather than a traditional CEO, her leadership role at Hancock Prospecting places her firmly in the spotlight. Her fortune is tied to iron ore, agricultural investments, and diversified assets. Rising demand for minerals, particularly from Asian markets, has further strengthened her financial standing, making her a central figure in both Australia’s mining industry and global resource markets.

2. Andrew Forrest, Executive Chairman of Fortescue Metals Group

Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest is another prominent mining leader whose fortune continues to grow in 2025. As the executive chairman of Fortescue Metals Group, Forrest has built a global empire around iron ore exports and has recently expanded aggressively into green energy projects. His investments in hydrogen and renewable energy technologies highlight his vision to transition from traditional resources to sustainable solutions, which has only added to his growing wealth and influence.

3. Alan Joyce, Former CEO of Qantas Airways

Although Alan Joyce stepped down as Qantas CEO in 2023, his wealth and influence remain significant in 2025 due to shareholdings, property investments, and his long tenure of leadership at the airline. His strategic turnaround of Qantas during the pandemic years and beyond solidified his reputation as one of Australia’s most capable executives. Even in retirement, Joyce is among the richest business figures in the nation thanks to his carefully managed portfolio.

4. Mike Cannon-Brookes, Co-CEO of Atlassian

Mike Cannon-Brookes represents the new generation of Australian wealth, derived from technology rather than traditional mining. As co-founder and co-CEO of Atlassian, the global software giant, his fortune continues to expand as demand for collaboration tools grows. By 2025, Atlassian’s role in the future of work and enterprise software has solidified Cannon-Brookes’ place among Australia’s wealthiest CEOs. His focus on sustainability and renewable energy investment has also broadened his influence far beyond the tech sector.

5. Scott Farquhar, Co-CEO of Atlassian

Alongside his business partner Mike Cannon-Brookes, Scott Farquhar co-leads Atlassian and shares in the immense wealth generated by the company’s global success. Farquhar’s fortune reflects not just his salary but his equity holdings in Atlassian, which continues to expand its reach in cloud-based solutions and enterprise tools. His leadership highlights how technology has transformed Australia’s economic profile, giving rise to globally recognized innovators.

6. Peter Coleman, Former CEO of Woodside Petroleum

Peter Coleman, who served as CEO of Woodside Petroleum until his retirement, remains one of the wealthiest figures in Australia due to his accumulated wealth from years of leading the energy giant. In 2025, his continued involvement in advisory roles and investments in the energy sector have preserved his fortune. Woodside’s strong performance in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports during his tenure continues to shape his legacy and wealth.

7. Shayne Elliott, CEO of ANZ Banking Group

Shayne Elliott has guided ANZ through significant periods of transformation, including digitalization and global financial shifts. His leadership of one of Australia’s “big four” banks has ensured strong profitability and shareholder value. By 2025, Elliott’s personal wealth, built through executive compensation and stock holdings, places him firmly among the richest CEOs in the nation’s financial services sector.

8. Matt Comyn, CEO of Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Matt Comyn heads Australia’s largest bank, the Commonwealth Bank, and his wealth has risen steadily thanks to his leadership and equity-based compensation. Under his guidance, the bank has embraced digital innovation and sustainability financing. Comyn’s influence extends beyond banking into broader economic development, and his financial success reflects the strength of Australia’s banking sector in 2025.

9. Paul Perreault, CEO of CSL Limited

Paul Perreault leads CSL Limited, a global biotechnology leader based in Australia, specializing in vaccines and blood plasma therapies. His leadership during the pandemic years propelled CSL into the global spotlight, and by 2025, the company remains a major contributor to healthcare solutions worldwide. Perreault’s compensation and shareholdings have made him one of the wealthiest executives in Australia, representing the growing power of biotechnology in the nation’s economy.

10. Richard Goyder, Chairman of Qantas and Woodside Energy

Richard Goyder has held multiple leadership positions across major Australian corporations, including Wesfarmers, Woodside Energy, and Qantas. In 2025, his wealth remains considerable due to his roles in these companies and his long-standing contributions to corporate Australia. His leadership across different industries reflects the versatility and strategic vision that have shaped his financial success.

What Sets These CEOs Apart

The richest CEOs in Australia 2025 represent a unique blend of traditional resource-based wealth and modern technology-driven success. From Gina Rinehart’s dominance in mining to Mike Cannon-Brookes’ leadership in technology, the list highlights the diverse sources of wealth in the country. A common thread among these leaders is their ability to adapt, innovate, and diversify. Whether investing in renewable energy, fintech, or biotech, these CEOs have ensured their companies remain competitive in a changing global landscape.

Conclusion

The top 10 richest CEOs in Australia 2025 demonstrate the balance between legacy industries like mining and energy and emerging sectors like technology and biotechnology. Their wealth is not simply a reflection of personal success but also of Australia’s evolving role in the global economy. As the world faces transitions in energy, technology, and sustainability, these business leaders will continue to play an important part in shaping the future of both Australia and international markets.