Michael Cannon-Brookes is a distinguished Australian businessman renowned for his pivotal role as the co-founder and CEO of Atlassian, a leading collaboration software company. Alongside co-founder Scott Farquhar, Cannon-Brookes launched Atlassian in 2002, aiming to create innovative software solutions without the constraints of traditional corporate employment. The duo funded the startup using personal credit cards and focused on developing high-quality products, notably Jira, an issue and project-tracking tool. Their strategy of prioritizing product excellence over traditional sales methods has significantly contributed to Atlassian’s sustained growth and success.
Under Cannon-Brookes’ leadership, Atlassian has expanded globally, establishing offices in major cities such as New York and San Francisco to tap into diverse talent pools. The company achieved a landmark moment in December 2015 when it went public on the Nasdaq, with a market capitalization of $4.37 billion, making Cannon-Brookes and Farquhar Australia’s first tech startup billionaires. In 2022, Cannon-Brookes took over as the sole CEO, continuing to drive the company’s mission to enhance team collaboration and productivity.
Beyond his work with Atlassian, Cannon-Brookes is a passionate advocate for climate action, committing $1.5 billion to environmental initiatives by 2030. He has invested in transformative projects, including the ambitious Sun Cable project, aimed at exporting renewable energy from Australia to Singapore. His commitment to sustainability is further exemplified by his acquisition of a majority stake in AGL, pushing for accelerated decarbonization.
Cannon-Brookes is also recognized for his contributions to the tech and investment communities, serving as an adjunct professor at the University of New South Wales and as chairman of Blackbird Ventures. His accolades include being named Ernst & Young’s Australian Entrepreneur of the Year and a member of the Forum of Young Global Leaders, highlighting his influence and dedication to innovation and environmental stewardship.