Curtin University Executive and Leadership Team

Vincent Lee, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Officer at Curtin University, directs the overarching academic and administrative strategy for the institution. Overseeing the university's research output and educational standards, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the core mission of providing high-quality public research opportunities. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships across the Australian higher education sector while driving long-term institutional growth. By fostering partnerships with industry leaders, Vincent Lee secures the university's position as a premier research hub. The Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous oversight of academic governance, ensuring that all departments meet international benchmarks. Through strategic resource allocation, Lee optimizes the university's operational capacity, ultimately strengthening the institution's reputation for excellence in teaching and discovery within the competitive global landscape.

David Menarry, the Chief Operating Officer at Curtin University, oversees the physical infrastructure, financial systems, and campus services that support the university's research and teaching activities. Managing the operational backbone of the institution, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that facilities and resources meet the needs of students and faculty alike. This role involves optimizing campus logistics and implementing sustainable practices to enhance the university's environmental footprint. By directing large-scale capital projects, David Menarry supports the expansion of research capabilities across the Bentley campus and beyond. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align financial planning with the university's strategic objectives. Through rigorous oversight of operational budgets and service delivery, Menarry maintains the high standards required for a leading public research university. This leadership function ensures that the institution remains resilient and capable of supporting diverse academic programs.

Nischal Kiran, the President at Curtin University, leads specific academic divisions focused on international student engagement and global research partnerships. Overseeing the expansion of the university's footprint in overseas markets, the President ensures that international collaborations align with the institution's research objectives. This role involves developing strategic alliances with global academic institutions to enhance the university's international reputation. By driving initiatives that increase student mobility and cross-border research projects, Nischal Kiran strengthens the university's global impact. The President works closely with the executive team to integrate international perspectives into the core curriculum and research agenda. Through targeted outreach and partnership development, Kiran expands the university's reach across diverse geographic regions. This leadership position focuses on building a globally connected academic community that contributes to the university's status as a leading public research institution.

Rafael Marco, the President at Curtin University, directs the innovation and technology transfer division, focusing on commercializing research outcomes and fostering industry-led startups. Overseeing the university's incubator programs and intellectual property commercialization, the President ensures that research findings translate into real-world solutions. This role involves bridging the gap between academic discovery and market application to drive economic growth. By facilitating partnerships with venture capital firms and industry leaders, Rafael Marco accelerates the development of new technologies. The President collaborates with faculty researchers to identify high-potential projects and provides the necessary support for successful commercialization. Through strategic investment in innovation infrastructure, Marco enhances the university's role as a catalyst for regional economic development. This leadership function remains critical for ensuring that the university's research output delivers tangible benefits to society and industry.

Zehrah Al Asaadi, the Co-Founder & President at Curtin University, leads the student-led entrepreneurship initiatives and campus innovation hubs. Overseeing the development of student-driven ventures, the Co-Founder & President ensures that the university provides a supportive environment for aspiring entrepreneurs. This role involves managing mentorship programs and connecting students with industry experts to refine their business models. By fostering a culture of innovation among the student body, Zehrah Al Asaadi empowers the next generation of leaders to address complex societal challenges. The Co-Founder & President works with academic departments to integrate entrepreneurial training into the student experience. Through the creation of collaborative workspaces and networking events, Al Asaadi builds a vibrant ecosystem that encourages creativity and risk-taking. This leadership position is essential for cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset that aligns with the university's commitment to innovation and community impact.

Dana Mardaymootoo, the President at Curtin University, manages the sustainability and environmental stewardship division, focusing on campus-wide carbon reduction and green energy initiatives. Overseeing the implementation of sustainable practices in building operations and research facilities, the President ensures that the university meets its environmental targets. This role involves coordinating with external environmental agencies and internal stakeholders to promote ecological responsibility. By driving projects that integrate renewable energy sources into the campus infrastructure, Dana Mardaymootoo positions the university as a leader in sustainable higher education. The President collaborates with faculty to incorporate sustainability into the research agenda and student learning outcomes. Through strategic planning and resource management, Mardaymootoo reduces the university's environmental impact while promoting a culture of conservation. This leadership function remains vital for ensuring that the institution operates in harmony with its commitment to a sustainable future.

Carly Thompson, the President, Curtin Volunteers at Curtin University, directs the community engagement and volunteer service programs that connect students with local and regional social causes. Overseeing the coordination of volunteer activities, the President, Curtin Volunteers ensures that student efforts contribute meaningfully to community development. This role involves building partnerships with non-profit organizations and social enterprises to create impactful service opportunities. By fostering a spirit of civic engagement, Carly Thompson enhances the university's relationship with the broader community. The President, Curtin Volunteers works with student leaders to organize service projects that address social, environmental, and educational needs. Through the management of volunteer networks, Thompson provides students with valuable real-world experience while supporting the university's mission of social responsibility. This leadership position is essential for maintaining the university's active role in community building and social impact.

Bridget Halbert, the Chief of Staff at Curtin University, manages the executive office operations and facilitates communication between the leadership team and the broader university community. Coordinating high-level projects, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic initiatives receive the necessary support for successful implementation. This role involves streamlining administrative workflows and enhancing organizational efficiency across all academic and professional departments. By providing critical support to the executive leadership, Bridget Halbert enables the university to execute its mission of research and teaching excellence effectively. The Chief of Staff monitors progress on key institutional goals, ensuring that all internal processes remain aligned with the university's long-term vision. Through proactive management of executive priorities, Halbert fosters a collaborative environment that supports the university's growth. This position remains central to maintaining operational continuity and ensuring that the leadership team functions with maximum impact.

Al Donald, the Chief Legal Officer at Curtin University, manages all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and risk management strategies for the institution. Overseeing the university's intellectual property portfolio and contractual obligations, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all research partnerships and academic collaborations adhere to legal standards. This role involves navigating complex regulatory environments to protect the university's interests while fostering innovation. By providing expert counsel to the executive team, Al Donald mitigates institutional risk and supports the university's commitment to ethical research practices. The Chief Legal Officer coordinates with external legal bodies to ensure full compliance with Australian education laws and international standards. Through proactive legal strategy, Donald safeguards the university's reputation and assets. This leadership position remains vital for maintaining the integrity of the institution's operations and ensuring that all academic and commercial activities proceed within a secure legal framework.

Melisa Kaharevic, the Chief People Officer at Curtin University, directs human resources strategy, talent acquisition, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the development of academic and professional staff, the Chief People Officer ensures that the university attracts and retains top-tier talent to support its research and teaching mission. This role involves implementing performance management systems and fostering an inclusive workplace environment that promotes professional growth. By aligning workforce capabilities with the university's strategic goals, Melisa Kaharevic drives organizational excellence and employee engagement. The Chief People Officer collaborates with department heads to address staffing needs and enhance the overall employee experience. Through strategic workforce planning, Kaharevic supports the university's ability to deliver high-quality education and impactful research. This leadership function remains essential for building a resilient and motivated workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of the higher education sector.