UNSW Sydney announces Warwick Negus as its eighth chancellor

A highly respected financial professional and longstanding member of UNSW Council, Mr Negus will ensure the successful transition of knowledge and experience for the Council.

Warwick Negus has been appointed the next Chancellor of UNSW Sydney, taking over from David Gonski, who will step down at the end of the year after two decades in the role.

An alumnus of UNSW, Mr Negus is an experienced member of Council who brings a deep and broad understanding of the University and higher education sector. He first joined the UNSW Council in 2008 and has been the Presiding Member of the Finance and Strategy Committee of Council since that time. He has served as Deputy Chancellor since 2020 and is also an ex-officio member of other Council committees.

Before joining the Council, Mr Negus was a founding member of the Advisory Board of the UNSW Faculty of Commerce and Economics, which became the UNSW Business School.

Mr Negus said he was motivated to concentrate his efforts on advancing the University’s Strategy: Progress for All.

“It is an amazing privilege to be able to take on the role of Chancellor,” Mr Negus said. “For me, Progress for All really resonates. It speaks to our roots as a technical university and I admire the way the University, particularly in the last 25 years, has really fought its way to the top.”

Mr Negus brings a unique understanding of all aspects of the University. As Chairman of UNSW College Limited from 2017 to 2023, Mr Negus understands pathways and accessibility to higher education, and as Director of UNSW Foundation from 2009 to 2016, he contributed to the University’s philanthropic endeavours supporting both students and researchers, including as an original donor for the establishment of the Centre for Social Impact.

UNSW Sydney Vice-President and Chancellor Professor Attila Brungs said Council’s appointment of Mr Negus from an exceptional shortlist of candidates would provide a seamless transition of knowledge and experience to enable Council and the University to adapt to future challenges.

“Warwick’s outstanding career across economics, philanthropy and leadership, along with his long-standing connection to the University, makes him an excellent choice by Council for this critical role,” Professor Brungs said.

“His depth of experience and unwavering dedication to UNSW come at a pivotal moment as UNSW, and the sector more generally, navigates significant pressures and transitions. His understanding of all aspects of UNSW will be invaluable. I look very much forward to working with Warwick delivering our strategy, Progress For All, for the benefit of all Australians.” 

During his tenure on the Council and other committees, Mr Negus said, he had been most inspired by the University’s growth while maintaining its quality.

“We have grown enormously; we have grown four-fold in the last 18 years,” he said. “Not only has the University been able to grow in an amazing way, but it has also gotten better and is now a prominent global institution. It is rare that an organisation can grow as much as we have and improve its quality. That has been a major achievement of the University.”

Mr Negus acknowledged the leadership and collegiality of outgoing Chancellor Mr Gonski, who navigated the University through peaks and troughs during his 20 years at the helm.

“David has always provided great stability and judgement,” Mr Negus said. “COVID was a particularly challenging period for the sector. He was that hand at the top who provided steady leadership and decision-making. UNSW has a well thought out strategy with sound leadership. I have been a part of its development, and I will ensure that we continue down this path.”

Mr Negus’ personal connection to UNSW runs deep. Having grown up in Coogee, Mr Negus said UNSW was in his DNA. His grandparents have lived in the area for many years, and his mother, Mrs Ruth Negus, worked in the UNSW Student Health Service for 30 years.

In addition to earning a Master of Commerce degree from UNSW, Mr Negus represented the University in water polo and athletics. His brother and nephew remain closely linked to UNSW Water Polo.

Beyond his corporate and higher education commitments, Mr Negus is actively involved in community sports, serving as a referee in the Sydney Rugby Union competitions, reflecting his passion for grassroots engagement.