Dan Cockerell - CEO, Torrens University Australia
Professional Summary
Dan Cockerell currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Torrens University Australia, overseeing its operations across multiple cities including Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne. He ascended to this leadership role in December 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience from an extensive career at The Walt Disney Company.
Career Background
- Former Vice-President of the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Florida: Before transitioning to his role at Torrens University, Dan Cockerell was notably the Vice-President of the Magic Kingdom. In this capacity, he led a team of 12,000 cast members and managed the experiences of over 20 million annual guests.
- Disney Career: Over his notable 26-year tenure with Disney, Dan held various key executive positions, including Vice President of Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. His responsibilities spanned several key areas including Parking, Ticketing, Guest Relations, Food & Beverages, and Human Resources.
- Disney Institute Speaker: For 18 years, Dan was an esteemed keynote speaker at the Disney Institute, delivering presentations to global corporations such as USAA Bank, General Motors, and United Airlines.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (1991): Dan graduated from Boston University.
- MBA in Business Administration (2001): He earned his MBA from the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College.
Board Memberships and Community Involvement
- Junior Achievement of Central Florida: Dan served on the board from 2004 to 2018, holding the position of Chairman in 2010.
Consulting and Speaking Endeavors
- Post-Disney, Dan founded his consulting and speaking business focusing on leadership and management practices. Through customized presentations, insightful workshops, and one-on-one coaching, Dan leverages his extensive Disney experience to provide valuable lessons in leadership and culture building.
Notable Skills and Contributions
- Leadership and Culture Building: Through his roles at Disney and now at Torrens University, Dan uses tailored, authentic presentations to help business executives develop exceptional leadership qualities and robust team cultures.
- Public Speaking and Workshops: Dan has a proven track record of engaging audiences with inspiring stories and actionable insights, drawn from his extensive experience in high-level management positions.
- Podcast Host: Dan hosted the "Come Rain or Shine" podcast for 5.5 years, sharing leadership lessons and fostering professional connections. He continues to share valuable content through a monthly newsletter.
Current Position at Torrens University
- Joining Torrens University Australia: As of December 2023, Dan transitioned to his role at Torrens University, a key period marking the continuation of his illustrious career in education and leadership.
- Co-CEO of Torrens Global Education Services (TGES): In addition to his CEO role at the University, Dan's position includes oversight responsibilities within the broader TGES framework.
Contact Information
- LinkedIn: [Dan Cockerell LinkedIn](https://au.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell)
- Website: [Dan Cockerell's Personal Site](https://dancockerell.com/)
Dan's extensive background in executive leadership, coupled with his recent move to the educational sector, positions him uniquely as a transformative leader within Torrens University and the broader educational landscape.
