Chancellor

Professor John Pollaers has had a distinguished international career in the consumer products and advanced manufacturing industries. He has been chief executive and director of major companies, including Pacific Brands and Foster’s Group Limited.

Professor Pollaers is Chairman of the Australian Advanced Manufacturing Council, Chairman of the Australian Industry and Skills Committee and Chair of the Aged Care Workforce Strategy Taskforce for the Federal Government.  He was also a member of the Prime Minister’s Industry 4.0 Taskforce. 

Professor Pollaers holds an MBA from INSEAD and Macquarie University, as well as degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in June 2018, for service to the manufacturing sector, to education and to business. 

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.