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MELBOURNE
BRUNSWICK
BUNDOORA
FISHERMANS BEND
POINT COOK
HAMILTON
HO CHI MINH CITY
HANOI
Dr Ziggy Switkowski appointed Chancellor
The RMIT University Council last night confirmed the appointment of one of
Australia’s most respected technology, innovation and business leaders, Dr
Zygmunt (Ziggy) Switkowski, as Chancellor of RMIT, effective 1 January, 2011.
Dr Switkowski has been Chairman of the Australian Nuclear Science and
Technology Organisation since 2007 and of Opera Australia since 2009.
His distinguished career in business has included serving as Chief Executive
Officer and Managing Director of Telstra (1999 - 2005), Chief Executive Officer of
Optus (1996 - 1997) and Chairman of Kodak (Australia) (1992 - 1996). He has had
extensive experience on company boards, as well as engagement with arts
organisations and universities.
Chancellor Anne Dalton said Dr Switkowski represented an outstanding fit with
RMIT’s vision and strategic plans as a global university of technology and design.
“Council was unanimous in its decision and we are absolutely delighted to appoint
Dr Switkowski,” Ms Dalton said.
Professor Margaret Gardner AO, Vice-Chancellor and President, welcomed
Council’s choice: “RMIT is global in its outlook and action, with a focus on work-
related learning and research. In many ways, Dr Switkowski’s background and
achievements personify the RMIT difference – global, urban and industry
engaged.”
RMIT is one of Australia’s original and leading educational institutions producing
some of Australia’s most employable graduates – currently ranked 76th in the
world by global employers.
The University has teaching and research connections on every continent and has
extensive links with partner institutions, which deliver RMIT degrees and diplomas
in Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai. RMIT has highly
successful campuses in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The University’s Annual Report, tabled in State Parliament in May, shows that
group consolidated revenue increased by 10.5 per cent, from $735.6 million in
2008 to $813.1 million in 2009. Group operating cash flows continued to be strong,
enabling investment in infrastructure to grow by 12 per cent for the year. RMIT is
currently investing $600 million over five years in improved infrastructure.
Dr Switkowski follows Ms Dalton, who was appointed from May until 31 December,
following the resignation of Professor Dennis Gibson AO, who served as
Chancellor from 2003 to mid-2010.
In welcoming the appointment of Dr Switkowski, Professor Gardner thanked Ms
Dalton for her contribution in this role to the work of Council.
For comment: Professor Margaret Gardner AO, Vice-Chancellor and
President. Contact RMIT University Communications, David Glanz, (03) 9925
2807 or 0438 547 723.
26 October, 2010
NEWS 
