News

Professor David Smith appointed Executive Dean of Law and Business

Professor David Smith has been appointed Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law and Business at ACU.

Professor Smith joins ACU from RMIT University, where he has held senior leadership roles within the College of Business and Law, including Dean of the School of Accounting, Information Systems, and Supply Chain. He brings almost three decades of experience in Australian higher education, including senior roles at RMIT and the University of Queensland.

An accomplished scholar and leader, Professor Smith holds a PhD in Accounting from Monash University and has a distinguished record in research and teaching. He serves on the editorial boards of two of the world’s top accounting journals and was ranked among the top 10 researchers globally in his area of management accounting in 2020 and 2021. He is also co-author of Australia’s leading management accounting textbook.

At RMIT, Professor Smith led significant academic and strategic initiatives across multiple campuses and international locations. His leadership delivered growth in research quality, innovative industry co-designed programs, and the successful achievement of AACSB accreditation for RMIT’s College of Business and Law in 2025.

ACU Provost Professor Julie Cogin said that Professor Smith had a strong track record of fostering collaboration, inclusion and high performance across diverse teams.

“David’s experience and vision will further strengthen the faculty’s distinctive Catholic identity and commitment to the common good,” Professor Cogin said.

“He is passionate about advancing ethical leadership, governance, and the responsible use of technology in business education – priorities that align closely with ACU’s mission, vision and values.”

Professor Smith said he was delighted to join ACU.

 “The university’s mission really resonates with me, and I am looking forward to working closely with my new colleagues in the Faculty of Law and Business, and across the university, to advance that mission.”

Professor Smith will be based at the Melbourne Campus and take on his new role in February 2026.