Beginning in September, Ms Herron will work with Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott AO, to help bring the University’s commitment to Leadership for Good to life through practical opportunities for students, researchers and partners.

The appointment follows Ms Herron’s 14 years as Chief Executive of the Sydney Opera House, where she led the largest renewal of the World Heritage listed building since it opened, while strengthening its community engagement and deepening its cultural impact. Before joining the Opera House, Ms Herron worked as a lawyer and corporate advisor. Ms Herron will continue to serve as chair of the NSW Government’s Creative Communities Council.

The appointment also marks a return to Sydney University for Ms Herron, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws before later completing a Master of Laws at the University of London. In 2024 she was recognised with the University’s Alumni Award for Professional Achievement.

Professor Scott welcomed Ms Herron’s appointment.

"I've admired Louise's leadership for many years. She has an instinct for bringing people together and helping institutions navigate difficult challenges without losing sight of why they exist. That's a rare quality, and one that will enrich our University enormously."

"Louise shares a core philosophy with the University of Sydney, that leadership can be learned, should be widely available and is a collective responsibility. That’s what makes this such a natural fit. 

"The University of Sydney and the Sydney Opera House are two of Australia's great public institutions. Both inspire curiosity and creativity, and both help shape public life. I'm delighted Louise is bringing her experience from one to the other."

Ms Herron said the opportunity to work with emerging leaders was a natural next chapter.

“Throughout my career, I have seen the real impact that emerging leaders can have when given the opportunities, support and skills they need to realise their potential.  

“That is why I am so thrilled to be working alongside Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott AO and his team to bring to life the University’s commitment to Leadership for Good. Together we will find new ways to help the next generation drive positive, long-term social impact.”  

Building New Leaders

Ms Herron will commence as Vice-Chancellor's Fellow in early September 2026 in a part-time capacity.

One of her first priorities will be to launch Building New Leaders, an immersive leadership program developed with the University of Sydney Business School for emerging leaders in mission-driven and for-purpose organisations.

Beginning in November, the pilot program will help participants build the skills, confidence and connections they need to tackle complex challenges and create lasting impact in their organisations and communities. 

Vice-Chancellor’s Fellowships

The Vice-Chancellor's Fellowships have been established at the University of Sydney to provide in-residence status for distinguished figures, giving them access to a scholarly environment and inviting them to work on projects of value to the University, the Vice-Chancellor and communities we serve. The initiative is modelled on Fellowships at other institutions in Australia and overseas.

During their appointment, Vice-Chancellor's Fellows will make distinctive and valued contributions to the scholarly and public life of the university. They are integral to the University’s role in encouraging public intellectual discourse and debate, leadership development, collaboration and fostering a deeper understanding of what it means to be a uniquely Australian university in a contemporary world.

Louise Herron is the second Vice Chancellor’s Fellow, following the appointment of Professor Sophie Gee in 2024.