Chancellor

In addition to his corporate leadership, Professor Pollaers has made significant contributions to national industry and public policy. He has served as Chair of the Australian Advanced Manufacturing Council, Chair of the Australian Industry and Skills Committee, Chair of the Aged Care Workforce Strategy Taskforce for the Australian Government, and as a member of the Prime Minister’s Industry 4.0 Taskforce.  

He currently holds a number of senior governance roles, including Independent Chair of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and Non‑Executive Director of AGL, alongside his role as Chancellor of Swinburne University of Technology.  He is also the Convenor of the University Chancellor's Council. 

Professor Pollaers holds an MBA from INSEAD and Macquarie University, as well as degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. 

In recognition of his service to the manufacturing sector, education and business, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in June 2018. 

Statements and speeches 

Professor John Pollaers OAM is regularly invited to speak on matters related to Swinburne University of Technology. Read a selection of his insights and speeches below. 

Professor John Pollaers OAM's installation ceremony

Professor John Pollaers OAM's installation ceremony as the Chancellor of Swinburne University, Australia. 

Professor John Pollaers OAM's speech on the launch of the Leadership Index 

Professor John Pollaers speaks about the state of leadership in Australia and officially launches the Australian Leadership Index at Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus.

Professor John Pollaers Chancellor's Lecture

Professor John Pollaers opens the 2019 Chancellor’s Lecture and introduces speaker, Professor Genevieve Bell.