- Posted on 8 Jul 2025
Mr Michael Rose AM has been elected as Chancellor of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
Current Chancellor Ms Catherine Livingstone AC will complete her current term on November 30 after almost a decade in the role.
UTS Council has elected Mr Michael Rose AM as the new Chancellor of UTS to succeed Ms Catherine Livingstone AC when she concludes her current term on 30 November 2025.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Andrew Parfitt has welcomed the appointment of respected and well-known business leader Michael Rose AM as the incoming UTS Chancellor, noting that the appointment comes at a pivotal time for the university.
“Michael Rose is an exceptional leader whose deep experience across law, business, urban policy and social impact will be invaluable to UTS as we continue to deliver value to our communities through our strategic education and research priorities.”
“With an extensive and impressive career of leadership and governance over 30 years, I look forward to working closely with Michael as we work to deliver on UTS 2030 and our ambition of being a leading public university of technology recognised for our global impact.”
Mr Rose brings extensive experience in governance and civic leadership, along with a deep commitment to higher education and the community.
He holds several prominent board and leadership roles across urban infrastructure, the arts, health and innovation, including Chair of Greater Sydney Parklands, President of the Art Gallery of NSW and Chair of the Westmead Institute for Medical Research. He also serves on a number of corporate boards.
As Chair of the Committee for Sydney, Mr Rose has led major initiatives shaping the city’s future, including strong support for the Tech Central precinct, where UTS is a key partner.
Mr Rose is a passionate advocate for social equity and Indigenous rights and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2016 for his service to Indigenous communities and the legal profession. He currently serves as Co-chair of Reconciliation Australia.
Mr Rose is recognised nationally and internationally for his contributions to public and civic life, including six years as Global Chair of ChildFund Alliance advancing child-focused development programs in more than 65 countries.
Mr Rose is a lawyer by background and the former chief executive partner of leading law firm, Allens.
Professor Parfitt noted that Mr Rose’s appointment reflected his deep commitment to higher education, innovation and community opportunity, aligned with UTS’s vision for a sustainable and equitable future for all.
“Michael’s longstanding commitment to Indigenous rights and social equity strongly aligns with the values that define UTS.”
Mr Rose will commence his tenure as the sixth Chancellor of UTS on 1 December 2025.
Mr Rose said he was honoured to be taking on the role and excited to deepen his connection with UTS.
I’m honoured to have been elected and excited about the opportunity to play a role in an institution that makes such a significant contribution to our city and nation.
"UTS is focused on the intersection of technology, innovation and creativity and that’s what I'm excited about. I have worked closely with colleagues at UTS over the last decade and I am looking forward to deepening that engagement”.
Professor Parfitt thanked Ms Livingstone for her leadership over almost a decade at UTS, noting that during this time she has made a significant and lasting contribution to the university’s direction, reputation and success.
“Catherine’s contribution to UTS has been immense and we are deeply grateful for her vision and dedication. Her strategic leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to our mission have shaped the university immeasurably.”
Widely regarded as a trusted leader within the Australian business community, Ms Livingstone has been instrumental in steering UTS through a period of great change in the higher education sector.
“Over the past nine years, she has guided UTS through major transformation – from the implementation of our UTS 2027 strategy to the development of UTS 2030 – while strengthening our reputation, governance and external relationships.”
“We are deeply grateful for her commitment and leadership, and we will take the opportunity later in the year to appropriately recognise and celebrate her contributions.”
Throughout her career, Ms Livingstone has championed the importance of innovation in enterprise growth, particularly design-led innovation, the role of corporate governance and the advancement of women in business.