Ivan Devenson

Born in 1934, Ivan Deveson studied at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and commenced as a Manufacturing Cadet at General Motors in 1955. Two years later he was awarded a scholarship to the General Motors Institute in the US, where he gained a degree in Industrial Engineering. In 1976 he was awarded a Sloan Fellowship to obtain his Masters Degree in Management at Stanford University.

In a career spanning over 30 years, Ivan Deveson worked with General Motors in Australia, USA, Europe and Africa. In 1987, he joined Nissan Australia as Managing Director/CEO, a position he held until his retirement from the automotive industry in 1991. He was Chairman of the Seven Network from 1991 until 1995.

Ivan was named Victorian of the Year in 1991 and received an Order of Australia in the same year for service to the automotive industry and to business.

Mr Deveson was Foundation Chancellor, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (92-95), Chairman of the Graduate School of Business, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (96-97), Chairman of the United Group Limited (since 94), and a Director of Crane Holdings Limited. He is chairman of Avanteos and Cool or Cozy.

In addition to membership on the Boards of several community based associations, Ivan Deveson is President of the Australia-Japan Society, Chairman of the Mary of the Cross (Drug) Centre and Patron of Melbourne Citymission. He is an Adjunct Professor and Director in Residence at RMIT School of Management.

Ivan started as a manufacturing cadet in the late 50’s and in a career spanning over 30 years worked with GMH in Australia, USA, Europe and Africa. In 1987 he was appointed CEO of Nissan Australia and in 1991 was appointed Chairman of the Seven Network.

Ivan was the Lord Mayor of Melbourne from 96-99, the longest serving Lord Mayor in over 40 years. He was recognised for a range of initiatives that strengthened Melbourne as a city for the arts, business development, tourism, globalization, and social programs. Currently Ivan is Adjunct Professor (Director in Residence) at the School of Management, RMIT. Previously he was foundation Chancellor of RMIT and Chairman of the State Training Board.

Many believe that Ivan has proved that leadership is not a continuous success journey, but as with sport, a player must train continuously, set goals and take one game at a time. Along the journey role models and mentors are critical as is the maintenance of high standards of governance and integrity.