John Grill Centre appoints new head of infrastructure
New executive director Garry Bowditch to create a world-class applied research and thought leadership program in infrastructure.
Garry Bowditch, Executive Director of the new Better Infrastructure Initiative at the John Grill Centre
As head of this new infrastructure initiative, to be based in Sydney, Garry will bolster the University’s capacity to forge close and purposeful collaborations with industry and government, both nationally and abroad. He will work to create a world-class applied research and thought leadership program in infrastructure, and is set to take up this new position in mid-October.
On his appointment, Garry said: “Cities and regional communities in Australia and around the world face enormous challenges in providing timely and efficient infrastructure. The John Grill Centre and University of Sydney recognise the critical role they must play in preparing leaders for this sector as the nation readies itself for the 22nd century.
“I am looking forward to leading the Better Infrastructure Initiative at the University of Sydney, building on the already considerable talent and extraordinary research capabilities of this world class institution.”
Garry brings a wealth of experience in the field of integrated infrastructure planning and management from his role as CEO of the SMART Infrastructure Facility at the University of Wollongong, and as founding Executive Director of Infrastructure Partnerships Australia.
He will continue to promote international research ties in his new role, drawing on his past work as founder of an international consortium of universities committed to enhancing global research capabilities in infrastructure. Members of this consortium include University College London, Oxford University, Delft University, Virginia Tech and the University of Wollongong.
The Better Infrastructure Initiative at the John Grill Centre will work purposefully with industry and government, undertaking applied research that helps deliver real-world solutions for better infrastructure for the future.
“As a leading research university, we continue to address the great challenges faced by our communities. The Better Infrastructure Initiative at the John Grill Centre will work purposefully with industry and government, undertaking applied research that helps deliver real-world solutions for better infrastructure for the future,” said Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Garton.
“We are delighted to have secured the appointment of Garry as an executive with the expertise and track record necessary to bring together those in the public and private sector as we work towards closing the existing knowledge gaps in infrastructure planning and management."
Chief Executive of the John Grill Centre, Marc Vogts, said: “The centre looks forward to having Garry join the management team. Working at the helm of the new Better Infrastructure Initiative, Garry will support our aims to strengthen collaboration with industry and government, harnessing his significant national and international experience.”
About Garry Bowditch
Garry Bowditch holds a number of non-executive appointments in Australia and internationally including: International Expert Panel Member for Infrastructure Transitions Research Consortia at Oxford University; Board Member of AURIN (Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network) at Melbourne University; and member of the Board for Liveable Cities at University College London. Garry is a Strategic Adviser to the Committee for Sydney and Auckland Transport.
He has also previously worked in a range of private sector positions with corporations in transport, defence and investment banking. He was the founding Executive Director of Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, and under his leadership it grew to over 200 members corporations to become Australia’s peak body. Previously, Garry has also held senior positions in the Commonwealth Treasury and Department of Foreign Affairs and trade.
About the John Grill Centre for Project Leadership
The John Grill Centre for Project Leadership at the University of Sydney was established in October 2012 with a landmark donation of $20 million from University of Sydney alumnus John Grill, on his retirement as chief executive of WorleyParsons. The John Grill Centre offers unique education and applied research in project leadership and governance for aspiring project leaders, c-suite and board levels, enabling them to innovate to achieve greater social-wellbeing and economic prosperity through projects and programs.
The centre combines the experience of industry experts, underpinned by world‑class academics at the University of Sydney. It draws on the multidisciplinary expertise of leading faculties across the university including: the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies; The University of Sydney Business School; The Sydney Law School; and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Emily Jones
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