Alumni profile

David Morgan is Executive Chairman for JC Flowers (Europe and Asia Pacific).

He holds a Bachelor of Economics (Hons) from La Trobe University, and is a member of the Class of 1969.

“How do you use economics? To make life better." The quote from David himself couldn't ring truer in terms of his own life.

David's drive for success was ignited when, at 10 years old, he watched his father go bankrupt.

But that didn't stop David from taking risks, even before his career actually started.

"We could have gone to Melbourne or Monash, most of us, but we chose to go to the new place (La Trobe)," David said.

"No one I know from that year has ever said they regretted it. We all fell in love with economics. We all went on to do highly important things."

A talented footballer, David was approached by the Richmond Football Club, but decided to continue with his career in economics. 

However, his football talent wasn't wasted, as David was among the founders of the La Trobe Football Club.

"We established La Trobe Univeristy Football Club and it’s flourishing here half a century later," he said.

"There were no clubs when we arrived, so we made them up. There was no social life, so we made that up as well."

Now with a formidable CV that has seen him managing, directing and chairing multiple organisations, David credits La Trobe with providing him a perfect platform for a successful career.

“La Trobe gave me a fantastic grounding in economics and also a love for economics," he said.

"That provided a platform to go on and do a Masters and PhD at the London School of Economics and then to work at the International Monetary Fund and end up number two in the Federal Treasury.

"Then, on the back of that, to be Chief Executive of Westpac. So, career wise, [it's] hard to overestimate the foundation it gave me for the wonderful opportunities that I’ve had."

David's biography An Extraordinary Life is now available.

Distinguished Business and commerce

Last updated: 30th April 2019