Toll MD accepts new role

Deakin University’s Centre for Supply Chain and Logistics (CSCL) has appointed Toll Group Managing Director, Michael Byrne, as its inaugural Adjunct Professor.
CSCL Director, Dr Hermione Parsons, said Byrne’s extensive experience in the supply chain and logistics sector positioned him as an innovator whose insights were highly sought-after.
“Michael is a statesman, a thought leader and a visionary. He has an exceptional mind. He makes an exceptional contribution to this industry and is so generous with his time and his thoughts,” said Parsons.
Byrne warmly welcomed his appointment as Adjunct Professor, using his inaugural address to urge the industry to help shape the next generation of innovative thinkers.
“As industry leaders it is incumbent upon us to attract, retain and develop talented people to propel our industry forward,” said Byrne.
“In order to do this, the industry must take an active role to shape the next generation’s curriculum by making mathematics a core subject; expanding languages to build a multilingual Australia; and rethinking higher education as a norm – not an exception.”
CSCL will reportedly draw on Byrne’s history of thought leadership to help inform the direction of its research and education programs, and address students in the New Year.
“CSCL believes strongly in industry engagement as a means of underpinning our applied research projects,” Parsons said.
“It’s a pleasure now to also have Michael supporting us as an Adjunct Professor and I look forward to working with him.”