Ms Westacott was elected by the University’s Board of Trustees as successor to Professor Peter Shergold AC, who will retire in December after 12 years of service as Chancellor.
One of Australia’s most prominent and highly-regarded public figures, Ms Westacott has forged a distinguished career in senior leadership roles in both the private and public sectors over 40 years, making numerous and sustained contributions to policy, public service and Australian public life.
She will continue to serve as the chief executive of the Business Council of Australia – the premier representative group for Australia’s large employers, advocating for good policy on behalf of the business community and the Australians they employ.
Since 2019 she has also been Chair of the Western Parkland City Authority – the NSW Government agency responsible for delivering, coordinating and attracting investment to the Western Parkland City, and realising the immense opportunities presented by the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and the Western Sydney City
Deal.
Her many other current leadership roles include serving as Non-Executive Director of ASX-listed company Wesfarmers Limited, Council member of the University of New South Wales, Chair of the Board of Studio Schools Australia, Patron of Mental Health Australia and The Pinnacle Foundation, and Co-Patron of Pride in Diversity.
The University’s first female Chancellor and only the fourth Chancellor in the University’s history, Ms Westacott will officially commence her term on 1 January 2023. She said she is incredibly honoured to be joining the Western Sydney University community.
Growing up in housing commission on the NSW Central Coast and Blue Mountains, Ms Westacott said that experience has driven her throughout her life and made her strive to fulfil her potential and be a force for positive change – something she keenly recognises in the University’s own values and mission.
“I am delighted to be named the next Chancellor of Western Sydney University. I am passionate about the role universities play in helping individuals and societies achieve their potential, she said.
“I was strongly attracted to the role in part by the University’s enduring connections with the diverse and vibrant communities of western Sydney and its role as a catalyst for the region’s economic advancement and social prosperity,” said Ms Westacott.
“Western Sydney University is world-leading when it comes to teaching, research and innovation. The countless partnerships formed with new and emerging high-tech industries together with the thousands of highly-skilled students graduating from this University each year are helping drive western Sydney’s economic and social transformation.
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, warmly welcomed Jennifer Westacott’s appointment. He said she will be an outstanding leader and advocate for the University, guiding it through this next important phase of development and growth.
Jennifer Westacott AO will be formally installed as Western Sydney University’s next Chancellor in the first quarter of 2023.
