One of Australia’s most successful businessmen and powerful CEOs, Richard Goyder, has been presented an Honorary Doctorate of Commerce by Curtin University.
The former Wesfarmers Managing Director and current Chairman of both the Australian Football League Commission and Qantas was recognised for his exceptional service to the Australian community, both in his capacity as a business leader and as an active public voice on social issues.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said she was honoured to name Mr Goyder an Honorary Doctor of Commerce.
“Richard Goyder has been at the forefront of some of Australia’s most prominent institutions and is widely praised as an exceptional leader for his ability to instil confidence, empower others and achieve outstanding results,” Professor Terry said.
“Richard is also a long term supporter of higher education through his support of his alma mater, The University of Western Australia, and in 2014 he partnered with Curtin to establish the multi-million dollar business precinct Wesfarmers Court on our Perth campus.
“Despite all of his professional success, Richard remains humble and grounded. He has been tireless in his work for the Australian community and was recognised with an Order of Australia in 2013 for his service to business, the arts and Indigenous programs.”
Under his stewardship, Mr Goyder transformed Wesfarmers into a retail giant and Australia’s largest private sector employer before taking on a significant number of leadership roles in the business community as Chairman of Woodside, the AFL Commission and Qantas. Mr Goyder is also a Council Member of the Australian Business Arts Foundations, Juvenile Diabetes ambassador, Chairman of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and well-regarded patron of the arts.
In addition to his governance roles, Mr Goyder has shown outstanding leadership on important community issues including as a supporter of same-sex marriage, advocate for indigenous employment, and champion for workplace flexibility, diversity and higher wages.
Mr Goyder was presented with his Honorary Doctorate in Commerce from Curtin University at a graduation ceremony on February 2.
