The Y in Australia (formerly the YMCA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Amy Hill as its new Chief Operations Officer – a critical appointment as the Y enters a new phase of growth and global community impact in support of young people.

Currently the General Manager of Operations at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC), Amy has been responsible for the delivery of two of Australia’s most significant global sporting events, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. As head of operations, Amy safely guided the events from COVID-caused cancellations in 2020 and 2021, through to their triumphant resurgence this year.

“Amy is a serious talent. A highly respected industry leader, Amy is renowned for her strength in people leadership and stakeholder management, her commercial and entrepreneurial capabilities, and her capacity to think big, but to also operationalise that thinking – all much-needed capabilities as we look to activate our bold 2030 Vision of   creating a better world, for and with young people,” said National CEO Tal Karp.

Amy was recently recognised as Executive Leader of the Year (Medium Corporation) in this year’s global Outstanding Leadership Awards, adding to the many accolades received in her 21-year career journey, spanning across the sport, recreation, and major events sectors.

In addition to her commercial, operational and risk expertise, Amy brings strong commitment to driving progress towards a sustainable planet (one of our four global YMCA strategic pillars) – having been trained by former US Vice President Al Gore, as one of Australia’s representatives on the Global Climate Reality Leadership Corps and leading the AGPC’s work in sustainability, which saw the organisation take out the Sports Environment Alliance 2022 SEA Changer Award.

Amy also brings strong value alignment, and deep knowledge of the Y. Amy formerly worked for Y Victoria for 7 years from 2007 – 2015, including most recently as Group Manager of Health, Safety and Environment. Amy was a YMCA Victoria Staff Member of the Year in 2013 and left a strong and lasting impression on all who worked with her.

Like so many of our staff, Amy was herself a young person when she first joined the Y, starting out as a 24-year-old Operations and Safety Coordinator at the East Keilor Leisure Centre. Amy quickly found that the Y opened many doors due to its size, breadth, and scale and she rose swiftly through the ranks.

Her story of progression and growth is a similar one at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. First commencing as a specialist risk manager, Amy soon progressed to division manager before taking on the head operational role, where she has held responsibility for delivering the Formula 1 event to over 419,000+ event visitors, staff, athletes and sporting teams, overseeing the functions of design and construction, venue management, hospitality, risk management, safety and motorsport, including the recent redesign and modifications of the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit.

“The Y backed me as a young person and provided me with unrivalled opportunity and experience which ultimately gave me the foundations to propel my career in major global events. 

My years delivering the Formula 1 and Motorcycle Grand Prix events, have been incredible. I’ve loved every bit of it and had the most unique learning opportunities whilst showcasing Melbourne, Victoria, and Australia on the world stage. 

Having achieved what I set out to do seven years ago, it is fitting that I return to Y for the next phase of my career and bring that experience and those learnings to contribute to the Y’s global and local strategic and operational work. 

 I’ve always felt strongly aligned with the values and purpose driven work of the Y and am thrilled to be commencing in a new role where I look forward to working alongside the passionate, talented team to make a meaningful impact across our communities, build a sustainable planet and work with and for young people.”

Amy will start her new role with the Y in early December.

Many thanks to our intergenerational selection panel of Ben Hubbard, Donna McMaster and Kergen Angel, and our recruitment partner.

About the Y

The Y is the largest youth movement in the world, reaching 65 million people in over 120 countries, in every continent.

In Australia, our 13 member associations span 650 communities Australia wide, through the dedication of our 12,000+ staff and volunteers (more than half of these, being young people).

The Y provides a broad range of services that support children and young people across the course of their lives – from childcare, outside school care and youth development programs, to disability services, access schools and community recreation services.

Collectively we combine our extensive geographic reach and broad range of programs, with our deep connection to our local communities; all drawn together through our strong DNA – our unwavering commitment to stand with and for young people; our passion for partnering with our communities to solve community problems; and our determination to ensure a respectful, inclusive, flexible and intergenerational workplace.