Deakin University Council re-elects Chancellor John Stanhope AM

The Deakin University Council today announced the re-election of Mr John Stanhope AM for a further term of office. Mr Stanhope, the University's sixth Chancellor, will serve a second five-year term from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025.

Mr Stanhope commenced as Chancellor on 1 January 2016 and has been a member of Deakin's Council since 2012. Mr Stanhope is a Deakin Alumnus and a previous student Council representative.

Deakin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin welcomed the Chancellor's re-election and paid tribute to the contribution of Mr Stanhope during his first term.

"As Chair of the University Council, John has provided wise counsel, deep knowledge and strong leadership for Deakin over the past five years. Now at a time of extraordinary challenge and change for Deakin and Australia's higher education sector, these strengths will help to ensure that Deakin will emerge from the pandemic ready to embrace the opportunities of tomorrow, as we educate the next generation and undertake research that makes a difference to the communities we serve. My fellow Council members and I look forward to working with John in steering Deakin through the next five years" Professor Martin said.

Mr Stanhope said he was honoured to be re-elected Chancellor for a further term of office.

"I thank my fellow Council members, and in particular Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin, for their ongoing support. I love this University because we're young, agile and the people in the University are prepared to make change and to embrace change. This University listens to its students and stakeholders and changes accordingly. These are essential attributes that will serve Deakin well as we navigate the challenging period ahead."

Mr Stanhope has extensive experience in governance, finance, accounting and business strategy. He was Chief Financial Officer and Group Managing Director, Finance and Administration with Telstra Corporation from 2003 to 2011 and was an Executive Director of Telstra from 2009 to 2011. He is a Director of AGL Energy Limited and the Bionics Institute. He was the Chairman of Australia Post from 2012 to 2019.

Mr Stanhope was made a member (AM) of the Order of Australia in 2016 for significant service to the financial and national communication sectors through a range of leadership roles.