Sam Walsh wins Order of the Rising Sun

Businessman Sam Walsh has been awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon for his contributions to economic relations between Japan and Australia.

The Japanese order is awarded to those who have made significant achievements in international relations, advancement in their field and promotion of Japanese culture, among other contributions.

Mr Walsh was acknowledged in particular for his role as vice president of the Australia Japan business co-operation committee.

At present, he is chair of Gold Corporation, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (WA) and the Australia Council for the Arts; a trustee of the Perth Diocesan Trustees; and a director of Mitsui & Co.

His most recent full-time role was chief executive of global mining giant Rio Tinto, based in London, and prior to that he was Rio Tinto chief executive iron ore and Australia, based in Perth.