Torrens University announces leadership transition

In late 2023, Linda Brown – then President of Torrens University and CEO of Torrens Global Education Services - advised the Board of her desire to transition out of day-to-day management over the course of 2024 and move into a senior advisor role in 2025. Accordingly, Dan Cockerell joined Torrens Global Education Services as co-CEO at that time.

In line with that plan and following a comprehensive year-long handover, at the close of 2024 Linda Brown has stepped down as the President of Torrens University Australia and the co-CEO of Torrens Global Education Services. However, the Board is delighted that Linda’s vision, passion, expertise and relationships will be retained as she continues as a Director on Torrens University’s Governing Board.

Dan Cockerell has been appointed as CEO of Torrens Global Education Services, and President of Torrens University Australia, as of 1 January 2025.

Dan is the former Vice-President of the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Florida, where he led 12,000 cast members and entertained over 20 million guests annually. In addition to his operational responsibilities, Dan was a keynote speaker for the world-renowned Disney Institute for 18 years. Following a 26-year career with the Walt Disney Company in the United States and France, Dan and his wife Valerie established their own consulting and speaking business, traveling around the world sharing their insights into customer experience, organisational culture and leadership.

Dan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Boston University, and an MBA from Crummer School of Business at Rollins College. He is the author of How’s the culture in your kingdom and recorded 288 episodes of the Come rain or shine management podcast between 2018-2023.

“The Governing Board pays enormous tribute and thanks to Linda Brown for her vision, outstanding hard work, and tremendous leadership over the past ten years that has built Torrens University and Torrens Global Education into the incredible organisations they are today,” said Jim Varghese, Chancellor of Torrens University.

“We look forward to thanking Linda and celebrating her achievements with our staff and stakeholders over the coming months.”

“The Governing Board is also delighted to appoint Dan Cockerell as President of Torrens University and CEO of Torrens Global Education Services, following a thorough handover throughout 2024. Torrens prides itself on being student-centred and focusing on delivering a great student experience, and Dan brings a vast wealth of expertise in operations and leadership with one of the world’s great customer experience organisations.”

Dan relocated to Sydney upon joining Torrens Global Education in early 2024, where he continues to be based.