Adelaide University appoints new Chancellor

Monday, 5 June 2000

The Chairman, founder and Chief Executive of Normandy Mining Ltd., Mr Robert Champion de Crespigny, is the new Chancellor of Adelaide University.

The University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mary O' Kane, announced the appointment today following formal ratification by the University Council. Mr Champion de Crespigny, who will be the 13th Chancellor in the University's 126-year history, succeeds Mr Bruce Webb AM who died in office in March after an illness.

Professor O'Kane said she was delighted that Mr Champion de Crespigny had accepted the appointment.

"His business experience, leadership qualities, entrepreneurial skills and stature within the community will be major assets to the University," she said. "Mr Champion de Crespigny has an excellent understanding of the challenges facing the University at a time of dwindling Government support and increasing global competition. He is committed to making Adelaide University one of the world's great universities. His links with the Australian and international businesses communities can help us to forge new alliances with industry and ensure the University's continued growth.

"The appointment will also further the University's strong links with the resources sector. Our previous Chancellor, the late Bruce Webb, was former Director-General of the South Australian Department of Mines and Energy and Managing Director of the Poseidon Ltd. Group and later a Director of Normandy Mining.

"The Champion de Crespigny family has had a long and distinguished association with Adelaide University. One of the new Chancellor's forebears, Sir Constantine Trent Champion de Crespigny, was Dean of the Faculty of Medicine from 1929 to 1947 and was instrumental in setting up the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science. He is commemorated on our Honour Wall remembering University students and staff who fought in the First World War."

As Chairman and Chief Executive of Normandy Mining Ltd., Mr Champion de Crespigny runs Australia's largest gold company and producer of industrial minerals. The company is active in more than 20 countries worldwide. As Chairman, Mr Champion de Crespigny has introduced a range of initiatives aimed at improving the company's environmental management and developing cooperative relationships with indigenous communities. He is Chairman of the South Australian Museum, Chairman of the Australian Gold Council, a member of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, a Director of the Business Council of Australia, and a member of the Minerals Council of Australia.

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