University of Sydney Senate elects David Thodey AO as new Chancellor

Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott AO, said Mr Thodey was a renowned leader across a broad range of national life, and welcomed him to the University.

“David brings to the University an extraordinary background that demonstrates a commitment to community, innovation and public service – as well as, of course, his extensive leadership and board experience across research, technology and telecommunications,” Professor Scott said.

“His career has changed the lives of millions of Australians through telecommunications and digital technologies. I am excited to work with him as we pursue the University of Sydney’s strategic aspirations, ensuring transformative education and research excellence is at the heart of everything we do.

“David is known for prioritising people across all the fields he has worked in, and it is this dedication that will be incredibly valuable as we continue to focus on delivering a great experience for our students and staff, and great partnerships beyond the University.”

Mr Thodey is widely recognised for his contributions to science, business, public service and the community. He is currently Chair of Ramsay Health Care and technology company Xero, and of Australia’s largest technology and innovation hub Tech Central. He was Chair of the board of Australia’s national scientific research agency the CSIRO and is currently co-Chair of the board of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Mr Thodey was previously Chief Executive Officer of Telstra and of IBM in Australia and New Zealand. He also chaired the 2019 Australian Public Sector Review, and was Deputy Chair of the National COVID-19 Commission Advisory Board.

Mr Thodey was appointed an Officer of the General Division of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2017 for integrity and leadership in business, and has been awarded honorary doctorates from three universities: in Business from the University of Sydney and UTS, and in Science and Technology from Deakin University.

Mr Thodey said he was looking forward to starting as the University’s 19^th Chancellor later this year and thanked Ms Hutchinson for her enduring impact on the University and the broader sector.

“I know Belinda has made an incredible contribution to the University of Sydney, and I am looking forward to continuing her work in striving to ensure the University is known for creating a world-class teaching and learning environment, and a wonderful student experience,” he said.

“Research translation for real-world impact is what great universities do, and that will continue to be a priority at the University.

“We know our community thrives through inclusion and diversity and this will also continue to be our focus as we commit to ensuring the success of a greater diversity of students and staff at Sydney.”

Professor Scott thanked Ms Hutchinson for the key leadership role she has played in driving the transformation of the University over the last 11 years.

“Belinda’s contribution since being elected Chancellor is substantial and goes well beyond our campuses, helping us to reach government, donors, business and the broader community,” he said.

“The improvement she has made to the governance of our University cannot be understated. Her vision, hard work and clear focus have been key to our success, making us financially strong, improving risk management and setting us up to become one of Australia's most successful universities,” he said.

“Universities are uniquely positioned to drive the research breakthroughs the world needs to solve our most pressing problems. But these discoveries are not happening in isolation – innovation often occurs at the crossroads where universities, industry and communities connect.

“This exemplifies the profound value Belinda has brought to the University with her extensive business background and experience on the boards of some of Australia’s largest companies and leading not-for-profit organisations.”

Ms Hutchinson welcomed Mr Thodey’s election and said he would bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective when he takes up the role later in the year. “David is a highly regarded and proven leader with global experience. I look forward to introducing him to the University I love,” she said.

She added she was enormously proud of the work the University does and has loved her role as Chancellor.

“It has been the most challenging but also the most rewarding role I have had,” she said.

“There are not too many jobs where you get to work with people who are changing the world. This was exemplified during the pandemic when so many of our researchers made a long-lasting positive impact in leading the identification of the virus, development of treatments and vaccines and national and international policies. I am thankful to everyone who has made my time at the University such an inspirational and truly memorable experience.”

Mr Thodey will commence in the role in July and an event will be held to farewell Ms Hutchinson. 

Belinda Hutchinson, AC

In her nearly 12-year tenure as Chancellor of the University of Sydney, Ms Hutchinson has contributed to many of the University’s key transformations.

Her time as an economics student at Sydney, together with her work with not-for-profit organisations helping disadvantaged communities, has instilled a strong sense of the value of education. As such, her contributions as the University of Sydney’s Chancellor have been built around the critical role of world-class education and research in securing Australia’s social and economic future.

Professor Scott said: “The impact Belinda has had on growing our diversity among our students and staff has also been exceptional and we also owe a great deal to her for the remarkable University governance reform that has taken place, ensuring Senate is focused on guiding the University.

“It is also worth noting that not only has she shared her knowledge, insights and networks but she has also generously donated her time to the University for more than 11 years without renumeration. In addition, Belinda and her family have been generous donors.

“We have been immensely lucky to have had her as our Chancellor for more than a decade and we are deeply thankful.”

Ms Hutchinson said: “The University of Sydney is a very different place to where I had my first taste of campus life as a student of economics – and different again to when I arrived more than 11 years ago as Chancellor.”

“While we have more to achieve, we have made significant strides. Today, women make up over half of our student community. And by focusing on a series of targeted mentoring, sponsorship and network programs women now represent more than half of our senior executive leaders. 

“Another highlight for me has been seeing the dramatic increase in the participation of students from low socio-economic backgrounds with our new MySydney program – particularly seeing firsthand how well these students are doing,” she said.

“Our scholarship programs like MySydney are a daily reminder of the profound difference education can make.

“Some of my most enduring memories are of meeting students who are either about to begin their University career, or who are farewelling us. At each graduation ceremony when I hand a new graduate their degree, it reminds me why I love the job; each graduate has the potential to change the world and they go out into it equipped with the skills and knowledge they have acquired here at the University of Sydney.

“I am also very grateful to our community of philanthropic donors who have made many of these scholarships possible. A university needs to be forward thinking and we have been fortunate to have many generous visionaries who made the decision to include a gift in their lifetime or in their will in pursuit of education and transformational discovery – literally changing these students’ lives and enabling new research that improves our world.

“As an alumna, the University of Sydney has been part of my life for more than 50 years, my children have studied here, and I am looking forward to the next generation and to continuing my involvement in our wonderful alumni community.”