Carr will take over from current Chancellor Jim McDowell next month when he leaves to take up an appointment as chief executive of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Carr began her career as an accountant before going on to work Exxon Mobil and holding senior positions in a range of companies including Newmont Asia Pacific and Normandy Mining Limited.

The business consultant is chairman of National Pharmacies, a non-executive director of Highfield Resources Limited, and is on the board of the State Government’s Minerals and Energy Advisory Council.

The university said Carr had been heavily involved in the recently revealed merger discussions between UniSA and the University of Adelaide.

She said the “conversations around the creation of a new university and the consideration which that idea is being given can only strengthen our understanding of our role in the community into the future”.

“I have been on University Council for several years and always feel extremely proud of UniSA and the work it does to empower people and help them achieve their ambitions,” she said in a statement.

“UniSA is also deeply engaged with industry to support growth and innovation.

“I feel privileged to take on this role and look forward to working with a great team on council and with the executive team at UniSA.”