Ann Sherry AO
Chancellor of Queensland University of Technology
Ann Sherry AO is one of Australia's leading business executives with a career that spans Government, Banking and Cruise Tourism.
Chancellor of QUT since August 2022, Ms Sherry is a visionary leader with a life-long commitment to empowering others and creating lasting social change. She is an active philanthropist with a passion for improving opportunities and removing barriers for women in STEM and sport, and supporting opportunities for Indigenous Australians.
Ms Sherry is the Chair of UNICEF Australia, Enero Group, Port of Townsville and Queensland Airports Limited. She is also a Non-executive Director of National Australia Bank.
Ms Sherry is an Adviser, the former Chairman and was Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Australia for a decade, where she transformed the cruise industry during a particularly tumultuous time. Carnival Australia is the largest cruise ship operator in the Australia/Pacific region.
Ms Sherry has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland, majoring in Economics and Politics, and a Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relations from Queensland University of Technology.
Widely recognised for her eminent service to business, Ann has been awarded Honorary Doctorates from the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland, Macquarie University and the University of New South Wales.
Beginning her working life as a Radiographer, Ms Sherry became First Assistant Secretary of the Office of the Status of Women in Canberra before moving to the banking sector initially in HR roles, then in CEO roles with Westpac NZ and the Bank of Melbourne.
The Australian Government awarded Ms Sherry the Centenary Medal in 2001 and in 2004 she was awarded an Order of Australia. In 2015 Ms Sherry was named as the overall winner of the Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence Award.
University Profile
QUT is a highly successful Australian university with an applied emphasis in courses and research. Though based in Brisbane, Queensland, QUT has a global outlook. With over 50,000 students, including 8,000 from overseas, and an annual budget of more than $930 million, QUT is positioned to grow and develop as one of Australia’s leading universities. QUT has two Brisbane campuses, at Gardens Point in the CBD and a near city campus at Kelvin Grove.
QUT is well known as ‘the university for the real world’ because of its close links with industry and its relevant teaching and applied research. Industry representatives and professionals contribute to course development, adding a practical perspective to theoretical education.
QUT has a 160 year history stretching back to the establishment of the Brisbane School of Arts in 1849. Over the years, QUT has grown and changed, and its predecessor institutions include the Central Technical College, the Brisbane Kindergarten Training College, and Brisbane College of Advanced Education, and Queensland Institute of Technology. In 1989, QUT attained university status and it amalgamated with BCAE from 1990.
To find out more, visit the Queensland University of Technology website www.qut.edu.au
Governance
Queensland University of Technology Council
Council is responsible for the overall governance and management of the University, and manages and controls the University affairs.
Membership of Queensland University of Technology’s Council is as follows:
Ex-Officio Members
Ms Ann Sherry AO – Chancellor
Professor Margaret Sheil AO – Vice-Chancellor and President
Professor Nic Smith – Chair of University Academic Board
Appointed Members – Governor-in-Council
Mr Mick Gooda
Ms Susan Rix AM
Ms Karen Spiller OAM
Appointed Members – Council
Mr Peter Howes
Mr Paul Lindstrom
Mr Dominic McGann
Dr Susan Pond AM
Elected Members
Associate Professor Yvette Miller – Academic Staff
Dr David Nielsen – Academic Staff
Mrs Dianne Nilsson – Professional Staff
Ms Olivia Brumm - Student
Mr Chris Drayton-Dekker - Student
Secretary
Ms Leanne Harvey
Other Governing Bodies
Other Governing bodies within the University include:
Risk and Audit Committee
Chair – Ms Susan Rix AM
Governance, Nominations and Remuneration Committee
Chair – Ms Ann Sherry AO, Chancellor
Finance and Planning Committee
Chair - Mr Paul Lindstrom
University Academic Board
Chair – Professor Nic Smith