Sir Ralph Norris joins University Council
The University of Auckland welcomes the appointment of Sir Ralph Norris to its Council.
Sir Ralph has been appointed by the Minister for Tertiary Education for a period of four years to August 2016 and will
replace Mr Alec Hawke who did not seek re-appointment.
Before retiring late last year, Sir Ralph was CEO and Managing Director of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) for
six years.
His career started at ASB as a computer programmer then he became its CIO, CEO and Managing Director. Following his time
with ASB, he went on to become CEO and Managing Director of Air New Zealand before joining CBA in 2005.
Commenting on Sir Ralph’s appointment, The University’s Chancellor, Roger France, says “the leadership, depth and
breadth of experience, and wealth of knowledge Sir Ralph will bring to the Council and the University will be
invaluable. We are delighted to have him join our Council. We are also grateful for, and acknowledge, the diligent and
constructive contribution by Mr Hawke.”
In May this year, Sir Ralph received the inaugural CIO Lifetime Contribution Award for his significant contribution to
the information technology sector. He is an Honorary Fellow of the New Zealand Computer Society (HFNZCS), an Ambassador
of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation and is also a former Chairman of the Business Round Table.
He was knighted in 2009 and named Outstanding Māori Business Leader for 2010.
ENDS