60 seconds with Doug Dean

Tuesday, 16 August 2016

Meet UON’s Council members as we share their thoughts on education and being part of the Council.

Doug Dean UON Council

Why did you join the University Council?

Born and raised in Newcastle,  I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Newcastle in 1975. Whilst today I would probably consider I have enjoyed a successful career, I could not have done it without a great start working for BHP and a degree from UON. Although  quite small when I attended, it carried an excellent reputation.  Whilst the university has grown quite substantially I believe the business skills I obtained over the past 40 years can add value as I believe the economy is experiencing very testing times. Recent success has shown UON is punching well above its weight.

What do you look back on most fondly when it comes to your own education?

I treasure the contact with the Alumni and lecturers from those days and I have been a proud spokesman for UON (and Newcastle) as opportunities arise around the world.

A little more about Doug

BCom(Newcastle), FCPA, FAIM, FICO

Doug Dean is Managing Director/CEO, Veolia Australia and New Zealand. Joining Veolia, then Collex in 1991, Doug Dean is responsible for the strategic direction and performance of the Veolia Group Australia and New Zealand.

Doug started the Veolia business in Australia with a turnover of $15.7 million. Budget for 2015 is $1.6 billion. Doug is on the Veolia Group Management Committee, Paris France.

Previously holding a position as a Senior Executive with a major Australian transport group for 10 years, Doug has an extensive background in accounting with one of Australia’s top business service firms, and is also a committee member on many leading industry groups.

Doug Dean has held many Company Director roles throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe and the United States, in the areas of waste management, transport and water supply and energy; he also holds outside directorships with the University of Newcastle and MCA.

In 2012 Doug was awarded an Order of Australia (AM) by the Governor General for “service to the community and the environment”.

More about Council

Council is UON's governing board. Its role is to oversee the affairs of the University, set and review our strategic direction and ensure that the right structures, policies, processes and plans are in place to help us achieve our organisational goals.

The Council is committed to providing information about itself, its activities and its decisions to staff and students. After each Council Meeting, you read more about Council’s decisions in the Council Communique.

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