Honorary doctorate conferred on distinguished leaders
International banker Dr Mike Smith OBE and health and social policy leader Dr Patricia Faulkner AO have been recognised with honorary doctorates from Monash University.
Deputy Chancellor Dr Leanne Rowe AM conferred the degrees of Doctor of Laws honoris causa on the two recognised leaders in their professions at ceremonies at Monash University’s Clayton campus in Melbourne yesterday.
Dr Mike Smith OBE is Chief Executive Officer of the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ). Dr Smith is an international banker with 30 years’ experience in banking operations in Asia, Australia and internationally. Until June 2007 he was President and Chief Executive Officer, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, prior to which he was Chairman, Hang Seng Bank Limited, Global Head of Commercial Banking for the HSBC Group and Chairman, HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad. Previously, Dr Smith was Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Argentina Holdings SA.
Monash Vice-Chancellor Professor Ed Byrne said that over the course of his career, Mr Smith had developed an impeccable reputation within the global banking and finance sector.
“He is at the forefront of those working to encourage investment flows between Australia and its wider region. His work supports Australian interests on a regional basis, creating an enduring benefit for Australia and its people,” Professor Byrne said.
Dr Smith is Chairman of the Australian Bankers’ Association and a Member of both the Business Council of Australia and the Asia Business Council. He graduated with honours in Economic Sciences in 1978 from City University, London. Dr Smith was appointed as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2000, and the French government appointed him as a Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole in 2007.
Monash University alumna Dr Patricia Faulkner AO is Chair of the Superpartners Board. Dr Faulkner’s career has spanned the most senior levels of both the public and private sectors. She has held senior positions in large and complex government departments including the Department of Human Services and held significant national practice management responsibilities as a Partner with leading global advisory firm KPMG. She now has a portfolio of Board and advisory roles, both as Chairman and Member.
Her work in the fields of health and social policy is well regarded and in 2008 she was appointed as an Officer in the Order of Australia for her services in these fields, and awarded a Centenary Medal in 2002 for services to Public Administration.
“Through positions of governance and leadership, Patricia Faulkner has been one of the most influential and successful figures in both the public and private sectors in Australia, and we honour her contributions to the community in the fields of health and social policy,” Professor Byrne said.
Dr Faulkner holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Diploma of Education from Melbourne University and Master of Administration from Monash University.
Over the 50-year history of Monash University, honorary degrees have been presented to dignitaries including Australian conductor and pianist Maestro Richard Bonynge AC CBE, the Honourable Peter Costello AC (2013), Nobel Laureate Professor Dan Shechtman (2012), business leader Sir Rod Eddington (2011), former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser (2010), musician Nick Cave and architect John Denton (2007), author David Williamson (1990), mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary (1985) His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1986) and His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (1981).