Daniel Labbad recognised with Honorary Doctorate
Mr Daniel Labbad, pictured with Western Sydney University Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO
Western Sydney University has awarded business leader and sustainability champion Mr Daniel Labbad an Honorary Doctorate of Letters.
Mr Labbad was recognised for his achievements, in particular his leadership in promoting sustainability and his advocacy for the Western Sydney region. He received his honorary award at a special ceremony held recently at the University’s Parramatta South campus.
Raised in Fairfield, Mr Labbad has forged a highly-successful career and has held various senior leadership positions for organisations in Australia and internationally, including the global property and infrastructure group Lendlease.
He is currently Chief Executive of The Crown Estate and is an Executive member of the Board. With a 260-year-old history, The Crown Estate’s portfolio includes extensive property interests in London and across the United Kingdom, a substantial rural holding and Windsor Great Park. It also manages the seabed around England, Wales and Northern Ireland and plays a major role in the UK’s world leading offshore wind sector.
Mr Labbad has been credited with developing a new strategy for The Crown Estate, aligned with its purpose to create lasting and shared prosperity for the UK and to address national challenges such as climate change, nature recovery and economic growth.
Mr Labbad commenced his tertiary studies with Western Sydney University – which he credits for his lifelong passion for higher education and his desire to create opportunities and make a difference.
He is currently a Director of Studio THI (formerly the Hornery Institute) and is a Trustee of the Raspberry Pi Foundation – a UK-based charity that supports young people around the world to realise their full potential through the power of computing and digital technologies.
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, said the University is delighted to honour Mr Labbad for his achievements.
“Daniel Labbad’s impressive professional career has very much been shaped by his family values and his upbringing in western Sydney. He has continued to maintain strong ties to the region and is a strong advocate for education and the positive impact it has on people’s lives – something that aligns strongly with our University’s own mission,” said Professor Glover.
“He has also actively championed sustainability throughout his professional career, including serving as Director of the Green Building Council of Australia and Chairman of the UK Green Building Council. He recognises the importance of communities and the power of place-making when planning and delivering projects.
“It is a great pleasure on behalf of the University to award an honorary doctorate to Daniel Labbad in recognition of his significant contributions to business and the broader community.”
Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO; Chief Executive of The Crown Estate, Mr Daniel Labbad; and Western Sydney University Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO
ENDS
10 August 2023
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
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