Davis, who currently heads up Australia’s largest philanthropic trust, the Paul Ramsay Foundation, has been named as the new head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

He takes over from acting PM&C chief Stephanie Foster who was temporarily installed in the post the day after the election following the swift exit of Phil Gaetjens, Scott Morrison’s departmental chief.

Highly respected by both sides of politics, Davis famously declined an offer from former prime minister Kevin Rudd – with whom he is close – to head up PM&C when Rudd was in The Lodge.

Davis’ career spans both the public service and academia. He served as the director-general of the Queensland Department of Premier and Cabinet from 1998 to 2002 under then premier Peter Beattie, and then becoming the vice chancellor of Griffith University and the University of Melbourne.

He has also chaired the Group of Eight, Universities Australia and Universitas 21.

The governor-general made the appointment on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recommendation.

“Professor Davis will bring to the role of secretary a deep understanding of public policy and will work with my government in bringing about positive change for the Australian people,” Albanese said.

The five year appointment will commence on June 6.