Former Telstra boss David Thodey named new Sydney University chancellor

Sydney University has named former Telstra and IBM boss David Thodey as its new chancellor, taking over from leading business figure Belinda Hutchinson after more than 11 years in the role.

Thodey was previously chief executive of Telstra and of IBM in Australia and New Zealand and chaired an independent review of the Commonwealth public service in 2019.

Former Telstra boss David Thodey has been named Sydney University’s next chancellor. Credit: Louise Kennerley

The move continues the trend of senior business and political figures being selected to chair Australian universities, following investment banker Jane Hanson’s appointment to Melbourne University in 2023 and Julie Bishop’s to Australian National University in 2020.

Thodey is currently chair of Ramsay Health Care and technology company Xero, and of Australia’s largest technology and innovation hub Tech Central.

He will begin as the university’s 19th chancellor in July when Hutchinson will step down after reaching the tenure limit under the institution’s senate rules.

A chancellor is the formal head of a university, equivalent to the role of a chair, while the Vice Chancellor is the equivalent of a chief executive.

Thodey said he was optimistic about the role of higher education in Australia and would continue the university’s focus on research with real-world impact.

“I am absolutely delighted and honoured at this appointment, it feels like a natural progression in many ways from where I have come from as research and education are deep passions of mine,” he said.

“I really believe universities play such an important role when it comes to fostering positive change; especially now as we focus on ensuring more students have a great experience in a world-class learning environment, which sets them up for the rest of their lives.”

Thodey was chief executive of Telstra between 2009 and 2016 and was boss of IBM in Australia and New Zealand from 1998 to 2001. He has three honorary doctorates, including one in business from Sydney University.

Vice Chancellor Mark Scott said Thodey was a renowned leader, known for prioritising people.

“His career has changed the lives of millions of Australians through telecommunications and digital technologies,” Scott said.

“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.”

Thodey’s appointment comes at a time Sydney University has recorded record surpluses after growing its international student numbers through the COVID-19 pandemic. They now make up 44 per cent of its pupils.

Scott has said the university’s reliance on foreign students is a consequence of funding shortfalls for research.

Hutchinson said the university was a very different place to when she arrived as chancellor more than 11 years ago.

“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,” she said.