Digital and innovation leader joins Swinburne Council

Swinburne University of Technology Chancellor, Professor John Pollaers OAM, today announced the appointment of digital innovator John Chambers to the Swinburne Council.

Mr Chambers is a seasoned corporate and board executive, with a wealth of senior executive and advisor experience across startup, telecommunications and digital organisations.

A critical time for universities

Speaking of the appointment, Professor John Pollaers said he was delighted John would be joining Swinburne Council to help guide the university through a critical stage.

“Swinburne is committed to creating a rich learning environment that champions bringing people and technology together to create a better world. John’s rich digital, technology and innovation experience is the perfect mix to support Swinburne in its future endeavours,” Professor Pollaers said.

“As a university of technology, Swinburne is forging ahead with new ways of collaborating and connecting with industry to support our learners in ways that have never been considered before. At such a critical time for universities across the country, we need to ensure that we are considering fresh perspectives that will support future ready learners, lead technological advancements, as well as define and research tomorrow’s problems today,” he said.

“I am thrilled that John will be joining Council to provide further guidance. His industry and innovation experience will help guide the university at this important time.”

Swinburne is committed to creating a rich learning environment that champions bringing people and technology together to create a better world, says Swinburne's Chancellor.   

Mr Chambers is currently an advisory board member of Indigitek and has previously held non-executive director positions at Smiling Mind and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association.

Mr Chambers is currently Executive General Manager of Future Business and Technology at AGL, and previously held senior executive positions at Telstra, including Executive Director of Product Innovation. Mr Chambers’ successful startup companies included TAPPL providing Future of Work and remote working models, Moorup Technology, a green tech electronic devices company, and Fresh Ventures Advisory, which was acquired by IE Digital in February 2019.

Paving the way for new technologies and innovation

Mr Chambers said he is looking forward to working with Swinburne Council to pave the way for studies in the fields of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

“Swinburne is already playing an instrumental role in fast-tracking new ideas and thinking outside the box when it comes to new technologies and innovation.”

“I am excited to bring my experience and insights together with the impressive teams at Swinburne. It is through working together that we can evolve and grow in this space and achieve the best outcome for consumers now and into the future. It is an honour to join the university in this journey.”

Mr Chambers will take the place of outgoing Council member, Ms Geraldine Farrell, who has served on Swinburne’s Council since March 2009.

“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Geraldine who has been such an important member of Swinburne’s Council for more than a decade. Her valuable contributions have been recognised, and I thank her for the guidance she has provided,” Professor Pollaers said.

Mr Chambers will join Swinburne Council in January 2021.