Respected South Australian business leader and Flinders alumnus Mr John Hood has been named Flinders University’s seventh Chancellor.
Deputy Chancellor of the Flinders University Council Mr Douglas Gautier AM said Mr Hood’s appointment will commence on 1 October 2023.
“John Hood is the first Flinders alumnus to be appointed to this important governance role and has already demonstrated his calibre through many years of association with the University as a student and on Council,” Mr Gautier said.
“The University Council is delighted to be able to appoint an individual with such a rich understanding of Flinders to guide our future direction.
“He is an active participant in the South Australian community and respected throughout the state, while possessing a deep understanding and passion for the unique and innovative university that is Flinders.”
Mr Hood, an Economics and Accounting graduate of Flinders University first served on the University Council from 2004 – 2010 before rejoining in 2017.
Flinders University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling warmly welcomed Mr Hood’s appointment.
“John has already made important contributions to the University in his role as Chair of Finance and Investment Committee, and I look forward to working closely with him as Chancellor,” Professor Stirling said.
Mr Hood said he was honoured and proud to be Chancellor of Flinders University.
“As a South Australian and a passionate graduate of this university, I have long been proud of the innovation and impact forged by Flinders, as we continue to ignite generations to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work,” Mr Hood said.
“I am honoured to be overseeing Flinders’ governance and look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on Council to progress further the important work currently underway across the institution, where students are at the heart of everything we do.”
Mr Hood succeeds Mr Stephen Gerlach AM, who officially retires as Chancellor on 30 September this year.
Biographical facts – Mr John Hood
John Hood has a connection with Flinders University dating back to its establishment, when he migrated with his family from Scotland, after his father was recruited from Edinburgh University to assist in establishing the Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre laboratories.
Much of John’s childhood was spent on Flinders University grounds, and on graduating from Blackwood High School he chose Flinders University for his study, graduating with a degree in Economics (1983) and Graduate Diploma in Accounting (1985).
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a Graduate and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, John’s career spans almost 40 years, providing strategic business, taxation and financial advice to organisations ranging from privately owned and regional businesses to multinational corporations and public sector entities.
His distinguished career includes a number of business and accounting firms, including 11 years at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, and as the Managing Partner and CEO of accounting firm MHM, prior to its merger with Deloitte in 2010. John more recently established his new advisory firm Humanee, and co-founded Intersect, a collaborative workspace for like-minded business members to work and network.
Currently the chair of Gannon Lifestyle communities, his director experience includes Port Adelaide Football Club from 2008-11, Mighty Craft Ltd, Deloitte, Foodbank SA, Seymour College Foundation Inc. and Momentum Food and Wine.
During his university years John was President of the Student Economic Society, giving him his first taste of Flinders University Council. In his subsequent appointment to Council between 2004-2010 he was active across a number of pivotal committees and involved in securing Flinders’ first city campus in Victoria Square.
Following his reappointment to Council in 2017 John played an important role in achieving a number of key decisions of significance to Flinders, including the University’s Tonsley expansion, the extension of the Flinders Rail line, the Health and Medical Research Building, and the new city campus in Festival Plaza.
Mr Hood received a Distinguished Alumni Award from Flinders University in 2007 in recognition of his contribution to Flinders University and to business in South Australia.