Dr Gordon de Brouwer AO PSM FIPAA appointed 14th Chancellor of ANU
Dear colleagues and students,
I am very pleased to announce that the ANU Council has appointed Dr Gordon de Brouwer AO PSM FIPAA as the next Chancellor of The Australian National University.
Gordon is an outstanding Australian public sector leader with deep experience in governance, public policy, institutional reform and national leadership. He also has a long and significant connection with ANU: as an alumnus, former Professor of Economics and, most recently, Honorary Professor.
Gordon completed his PhD in Economics at ANU and has maintained a close relationship with the University throughout a distinguished career spanning almost four decades. Most recently, he served as Australian Public Service Commissioner and Secretary for Public Sector Reform, leading significant work to strengthen capability, integrity and workforce management across the Australian Public Service. His previous roles include Secretary of the Department of the Environment and Energy and senior positions in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Treasury and the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Earlier this year, Gordon was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to public administration, policy and reform, diversity, environmental conservation and education. He is also a recipient of the Public Service Medal, a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia and is a Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur, France’s highest order of merit.
Gordon's appointment follows an extensive, independent and competitive search undertaken in accordance with the University's Voluntary Undertaking with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). I want to thank Emeritus Professor Peter Coaldrake AO for his leadership of the independent selection panel, which drew feedback from across the ANU community, including direct engagement with more than 400 staff and students. I also thank the panel members and everyone across ANU who contributed to this rigorous and transparent process.
Following a comprehensive assessment process, the panel unanimously recommended Gordon to Council. It highlighted his exceptional governance leadership and judgement, integrity and commitment to ANU, as well as his capacity to build institutional trust and cohesion. The panel also recognised his deep understanding of the mission of a research-intensive university and his ability to provide strategic stewardship and a long-term perspective.
After a period of significant change for ANU, Gordon's appointment marks an important opportunity to strengthen trust and confidence, and to look to the future with a renewed sense of purpose. As Chancellor, he will play a critical role in supporting strong and transparent governance, bringing our community together and helping ensure ANU continues to fulfil its distinctive responsibilities as Australia's national university.
Gordon has spoken of his deep affection for ANU and his determination to be an active and visible Chancellor across our campus. He has also expressed a strong commitment to ensuring ANU is recognised for what matters most – the excellence of our students and staff and the contribution we make to Australia and the world.
Gordon will commence as Chancellor on Wednesday 19 August 2026.
On behalf of Council, I congratulate Gordon on his appointment and look forward to welcoming him as Chancellor. I am confident he will approach the role with openness, integrity and a deep commitment to the ANU community.
There will be opportunities for staff and students to meet Gordon in the months ahead, and I know he is looking forward to spending time with our community and hearing directly from you.
Kind regards,
Andrew Metcalfe AO
Acting Pro-Chancellor