John Elliott (businessman)

John Elliott
John Elliott
Born	3 October 1941 (age 85); Melbourne, Australia
Died	23 September 2021 (aged 79)
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, business executive, sports administrator, political leader
Known for	Leadership roles in the Liberal Party of Australia; president of Carlton Football Club; business acquisitions including Elders Limited and Carlton & United Breweries

John Dorman Elliott (3 October 1941 – 23 September 2021) was a prominent Australian entrepreneur who held leadership roles within the Liberal Party of Australia at both the state and national levels. Additionally, he served as president of the Carlton Football Club. Elliott was recognized for his significant political involvement, business activities, and a public image that often sparked debate.

Early life and education

Elliott was born in Melbourne to parents Frank and Anita Elliott. He completed his secondary schooling at Carey Baptist Grammar School in Kew. He pursued higher education at the University of Melbourne, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours, later advancing his qualifications by earning an MBA from Melbourne Business School.

Career

Elliott’s professional journey commenced at BHP before he undertook an MBA and joined the international consultancy firm McKinsey & Company in 1966. His six-year tenure included assignments in both Australia and the United States. In 1972, he gained controlling interest in the ASX-listed food company IXL, which he grew through strategic acquisitions such as Elders Limited—a key player in agricultural services—and Carlton & United Breweries, now incorporated into Foster's Group. Notable acquisitions like UK’s Courage Breweries and Canada’s Carling O'Keefe elevated Foster's to become the fourth-largest brewer globally. Alongside his business pursuits, Elliott led the Carlton Football Club as president from 1983 to 2002, during which time the club secured two AFL premiership titles. He also held the role of federal president within the Liberal Party.

In 1985, Elders IXL acted as a defensive investor against Robert Holmes à Court's hostile takeover attempt of BHP by acquiring a substantial equity stake, which resulted in Elliott joining BHP’s board. Later, after a failed management buyout of Elders that significantly diminished his personal fortune, Elliott was investigated by the National Crime Authority concerning a foreign exchange deal but was ultimately exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing. He claimed that this investigation was politically motivated due to his leadership position in the Liberal Party and sought civil damages without success.

Elliott served on the boards of various publicly listed companies including BHP, National Mutual, Bridge Oil, and North Limited. As a longstanding member of the Liberal Party, he held several positions such as party president (1987–1990), treasurer, vice president of its Victorian branch, and established the influential 500 Club as a major financial supporter of the party.

His political stature made him a frequent subject of parody during the late 1980s on the Australian satirical television program Rubbery Figures, where he was often depicted with Elders IXL branding.

In 1990, Elliott openly endorsed the Multifunction Polis (MFP) initiative—a proposed high-tech urban development in Australia—despite opposition from then-Liberal leader Andrew Peacock, who expressed concerns that it might evolve into an "Asian enclave."

Carlton Football Club President

In 1983, Elliott succeeded Ian Rice as president of the Carlton Football Club. His leadership period was marked by considerable success both on and off the field, including premiership victories in 1987 and 1995.

Following the conclusion of the 2002 AFL season, after two decades at the helm, Elliott was removed from his position. The club had finished last for the first time since 1894 and was found guilty of serious long-term breaches of Australian Football League salary cap rules. This resulted in a $930,000 fine, loss of draft picks—including forfeiture of the number-one draft selection—and an extended phase of underperformance. In a contentious decision, all references to Elliott’s name were removed from signage at Carlton’s home venue, Princes Park. His successor was Ian Collins.

Later life

In January 2005, Elliott filed for bankruptcy, which was resolved by July 2008. At the time of his passing in 2021, his net assets were reported to be below $12,000.

He frequently contributed as a panelist on ABC's Q&A and took part in the 2010 Dick Smith population debate, advocating a strategy to divert rainfall from Northern Australia to the Murray–Darling basin—a proposal that received considerable endorsement. In 2012, Elliott appeared on ABC's The Agony Uncles and was a regular guest on his son Tom's talkback show broadcast on 3AW.

Elliott served as the founding chairman of the Committee for Melbourne and held a directorship at the University of Melbourne Business School foundation. In September 2015, he was honored with an honorary fellowship by the business school.

Personal life

Elliott was previously married to Lorraine Elliott, a former Victorian Liberal MP; together they had three children, among them Tom Elliott, known as an investment banker and media personality. His daughter Caroline Elliott held the position of vice-president within Victoria's Liberal Party. From his second marriage to Amanda Elliott, who made history as the first female chairperson of the Victorian Racing Club, he had two additional children.

Renowned for his "eccentric, crass and often controversial" approach in both business and politics, Elliott was a habitual smoker and at one point contemplated a Senate run under a "Smokers' Rights" platform.

Following a fall in September 2021, Elliott was hospitalized at Epworth Hospital in Richmond, Victoria, where he passed away on 23 September 2021, just days before reaching his 80th birthday.

External links

John Elliott Full Biography at ICMI.com.au
The John Elliott Report