Ric Charlton
QualificationsMasters in Engineering Science University of SydneyBiographyRichard (Ric) McKenzie Charlton was born in Newcastle in 1935. He attended Newcastle Technical High School and then graduated from the University of Sydney with a Masters in Engineering Science in 1959 and a Double Blue in Basketball and Rugby. After University Charlton joined Shell as a Trainee Petroleum Engineer. He worked in many countries around the world, rose to senior roles in the company and retired from Shell in 1995.
In 1975 Charlton became General Manager Exploration & Production for Shell in Australia. In 1980 he became Director of Operations for Shell UK Exploration & Production. In 1991 Charlton returned to Australia again to take up the position of Chairman and CEO of Shell Australia.
In 1994 Charlton became Chancellor of the University of Newcastle and remained in the position until 2004. The last years of his Chancellorship were controversial because of the University's response to a plagiarism scandal. The Vice-Chancellor, Roger Holmes, also departed in 2004.
As well as his work with Shell, Charlton held other roles in the petroleum industry including Chairman of the Australian Petroleum Exploration Association, Chairman of the Australian Institute of Petroleum and Deputy Chairman of Woodside Petroleum. Appointments in other industries include Chairman of the National Basketball League, Director of Coles Myer, Chairman of the Royal Children’s Hospital Research Institute and a committee member of the Victoria Racing Club and Moonee Valley Racing Club. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Australia-Malaysia Society.
In 1996 Charlton became a Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to the petroleum industry and the community.
Date of Birth1935Other OccupationEngineerDirectorChairmanCEOThemeUniversity of Newcastle History
ChancellorChancellor Ric CharltonOrganisationsUniversity of Newcastle HistoryShellShell AustraliaShell UKSociety Of Petroleum EngineersAustralian Institute of PetroleumAustralian Petroleum Exploration Association (APEA)Royal Children’s Hospital Research InstituteBusiness/Higher Education Round TableAustralia-Malaysia SocietyMotherYvonne Gladys McKenzie