DISTINGUISHED Professor Genevieve Bell is the next vice-chancellor of  the Australian National University and its first female leader.

She will succeed current Brian Schmidt from January 1, when Prof Schmidt will return to an academic role as a distinguished professor in the ANU College of Science.

“Genevieve is a compelling and passionate leader, with a deep understanding of the University’s distinctive mission, remarkable legacy, vibrant culture and tremendous assets,” said Chancellor Julie Bishop.

“Distinguished Professor Bell is a public intellectual of global standing, working at the intersection of technology innovation and cultural practice. Her significant domestic and international senior leadership experience spans private and public sectors, and research and teaching at ANU and other institutions.

“Since joining ANU, Genevieve has led the design and establishment of the School of Cybernetics, which launched successfully in 2021, during the disruption of covid. Already, it is having meaningful impact, creating new kinds of educational experiences and benefiting from strong linkages and partnerships with public and private sector organisations.”

Professor Bell was appointed by the University Council, pursuant to a selection process managed by the university chancellor. As part of the selection process, the chancellor consulted widely with members of the ANU community, including students, staff, alumni, partners and others, to better understand their priorities for the next ANU vice-chancellor.

“It was clear to our selection panel that Genevieve aligns with the university community’s values and vision for ANU. I’m excited that she will be the first woman to hold this position in our history,” Ms Bishop said.

Prof Bell trained as a cultural anthropologist, with a PhD from Stanford University. She joined Intel Corporation in 1998, where she held several key leadership roles. She was promoted to the position of vice president in 2014 and recognised as senior fellow in 2015.

In 2017, she returned to Australia and to ANU, joining the ANU College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics (CECC) to establish the university’s first innovation institute, the Autonomy, Agency and Assurance Institute.

In 2021, Prof Bell founded the School of Cybernetics within CECC, positioning cybernetics as a vital tool to help navigate major societal transformations.

Since 2019, Prof Bell has served as a non-executive director of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia – a role she will relinquish.