Shewan's next move after PwC

Retiring PricewaterhouseCoopers chair John Shewan is about to go full circle.

He started as a junior lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington in 1976 and, after 35 years at PwC, is heading back.

The university announced today Mr Shewan will take up a three-year position as adjunct professor of accounting at Victoria Business School.

Mr Shewan told NBR ONLINE: "I'm very pleased, I've always had a close association with Victoria.

"I'm hoping to use my business experience now to help develop some of the programmes that Victoria's doing in the commercial area. I'm quite excited about it."

Mr Shewan chairs the Victoria Business School advisory board, sits on the Centre for Accounting, Governance and Taxation Research (CAGTR) advisory board, and was a member of the Victoria University of Wellington tax working group. 

His new position will take about a day a week, which he says isn't too onerous.

"I've taken on some company directorships and I want to get a balance between the university and the directorships, really."

Companies Office records show Mr Shewan was appointed a director of Munich Reinsurance Company of Australasia in January and Munichre New Zealand Service last month.

With Mr Shewan on board, there is a good mix of older business heads at Victoria.

Earlier this month, it was announced Peter Hughes, current chief executive of the Ministry of Social Development, would head Victoria's school of government, while former Treasury chief economist Norman Gemmell joined the school of accounting and commercial law last November.

"We've got a growing group of almost fully-depreciated oldies who I think have got a bit to contribute," Mr Shewan laughs.

The Dean of Victoria Business School, Professor Bob Buckle, said in a press release: “I am delighted Mr Shewan has accepted this adjunct professorship – his insight and experience from a long and successful career in accounting and business will be of immense value to our students and staff.” 

Earlier this month, Mr Shewan was made Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business. 

A Victoria University alumnus, he was made a Victoria Distinguished Alumni Award winner in 2010.