Few individuals have supported Australian sport as consistently or as thoughtfully as John Pearce OAM. Over decades of giving, John has combined generosity with a deep belief in the power of sport to shape people and strengthen communities.

A former CEO and chairman of ASX-listed companies, John spent 47 years building successful organisations before retiring in 2013. Together with his wife Sandra, he has spent decades helping sporting clubs and athletes through philanthropy.

John was drawn to sport because it offered a rare and powerful opportunity to see philanthropy in action.

"When I donate to sport, you can see the results. You can see how it helps clubs and individuals, and I've seen sport allow people to mature in an excellent manner."

Over a lifetime of giving, John has developed a clear philosophy about what makes donations truly effective. His business experience shaped a disciplined approach to philanthropy, with a strong focus on leadership, stewardship and long-term impact.

"I watch the outcomes. Good people and good financial management make the difference."

John has seen firsthand how strategic stewardship can maximise the impact of philanthropy in sport. A major gift of shares to two sporting organisations led to very different outcomes; one realised the value immediately, while the other carefully managed the asset over time, allowing it to grow and ultimately fund significant community infrastructure.

These experiences reinforced John's belief that strong stewardship honours donor intent and maximises community benefit.

Through his long association with the Brisbane Lions, including more than a decade as Patron, John has also witnessed the power of capable leadership to transform an organisation.

"To see the despair a decade ago and then see them recover through good people and good financial management – the contribution you make is part of that."

John's generosity has extended beyond clubs and communities. He has also supported individual athletes pursuing elite competition, recognising the significant financial pressures many face on the path to representing Australia.

Yet for John, the most enduring value of sport lies beyond the scoreboard. He believes sport creates something many people are searching for: a sense of belonging. Whether it's a local club, a volunteer group or a sporting community, those connections bring people together and strengthen communities.

After a lifetime of involvement in sport, John's guiding principle remains simple.

"It's all about people. They make the difference."

Read John's story and discover the trends shaping sport philanthropy in Australia in the Australian Sports Foundation's FY25 Giving for Sport Report.