Deakin University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Deakin University has 10 executives leading key functions including marketing, operations, finance, and student leadership.

Driven by a commitment to educational advancement, Deakin University focuses on translating research into impactful solutions, policies, and capabilities to support socially just, inclusive, and equitable societies.

Leadership Roles at Deakin University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Clare Lezaja
  • President, Deakin Information Security Club - Harvey Tran
  • President - Aanvi Batavia
  • President - Oliver Quail
  • President - Prabhmann Singh
  • President - Michaela Grima
  • President - Paulasta Majumdar
  • Founder & President - Ayu Chan
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Matthew Edge
  • Chief of Staff - Jocelyn Reid
  • Clare Lezaja - Chief Financial Officer

    Clare Lezaja, the Chief Financial Officer at Deakin University, oversees all financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation. Managing the institution's fiscal health and ensuring sustainable growth, the Chief Financial Officer provides strategic financial guidance to support research endeavors and academic programs. This vital position involves developing robust financial models, managing investments, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards to bolster the university's capacity for innovation. By maintaining fiscal discipline and identifying new revenue streams, Clare Lezaja directly contributes to the university's ability to fund impactful educational research and policy development. Ultimately, Lezaja secures the financial foundation necessary for Deakin University to champion diversity and social justice in education.

    Harvey Tran - President, Deakin Information Security Club

    Harvey Tran, the President, Deakin Information Security Club at Deakin University, leads initiatives focused on cybersecurity awareness and digital safety for students. Driving engagement within the student body, the President, Deakin Information Security Club organizes workshops and events to educate members on emerging threats and best practices in information security. This role cultivates a community dedicated to understanding and mitigating risks within digital environments, aligning with the university's focus on learners in a digital world. By fostering practical skills and knowledge, Harvey Tran directly supports the development of digitally literate individuals prepared for future challenges. Ultimately, Tran enhances the university's commitment to responsible digital citizenship and secure online learning experiences.

    Aanvi Batavia - President

    Aanvi Batavia, the President at Deakin University, spearheads student-led initiatives aimed at enhancing the academic and social experience for the student body. Championing student welfare and academic advocacy, the President fosters a collaborative environment that supports diverse learning needs and promotes inclusivity. This leadership position involves representing student interests to university administration and driving projects that enrich campus life and educational opportunities. By facilitating student engagement and empowering peer support networks, Aanvi Batavia directly contributes to the university's mission of creating equitable educational societies. Ultimately, Batavia strengthens the student voice and promotes a vibrant, supportive campus community.

    Oliver Quail - President

    Oliver Quail, the President at Deakin University, directs strategic planning for student organizations focused on technological innovation and research. Guiding student teams in developing cutting-edge projects, the President cultivates an environment that encourages exploration in fields like STEM education. This role involves overseeing project lifecycles, securing resources, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among students passionate about advancing scientific and technological frontiers. By promoting hands-on learning and practical application of knowledge, Oliver Quail directly supports the university's commitment to STEM education for sustainable futures. Ultimately, Quail empowers students to become future leaders and innovators in their respective fields.

    Prabhmann Singh - President

    Prabhmann Singh, the President at Deakin University, leads initiatives focused on promoting diversity and social justice within the student community. Driving programs that foster inclusivity and understanding, the President ensures that all students feel valued and supported throughout their academic journey. This position involves advocating for equitable policies and creating platforms for dialogue on critical social issues, directly aligning with the university's core themes. By organizing awareness campaigns and community-building events, Prabhmann Singh directly contributes to creating a more just and equitable educational environment. Ultimately, Singh strengthens the university's commitment to social justice and empowers students to become agents of positive change.

    Michaela Grima - President

    Michaela Grima, the President at Deakin University, oversees student-led efforts to enhance educational governance and policy understanding among peers. Facilitating discussions and research on effective educational frameworks, the President promotes critical thinking about policy's role in sustainable societies. This leadership role involves organizing forums and study groups that explore governance structures and their impact on educational outcomes. By encouraging active participation in policy discourse, Michaela Grima directly supports the university's research theme on Education Governance and Policy for Sustainable Societies. Ultimately, Grima cultivates a more informed and engaged student body, prepared to contribute to policy development.

    Paulasta Majumdar - President

    Paulasta Majumdar, the President at Deakin University, champions initiatives focused on digital literacy and the evolving landscape of learners in a digital world. Leading student-led projects that explore technology's impact on education, the President fosters innovation in online learning environments. This role involves organizing workshops and collaborative projects that equip students with the skills needed to thrive in digital spaces. By promoting the effective and ethical use of technology in education, Paulasta Majumdar directly supports the university's research theme on Learners in a Digital World. Ultimately, Majumdar enhances the student experience by integrating digital tools and fostering digital fluency.

    Ayu Chan - Founder & President

    Ayu Chan, the Founder & President at Deakin University, established and directs a key student organization focused on translating educational research into practical applications. Spearheading the organization's vision, the Founder & President guides initiatives that bridge the gap between academic findings and real-world educational impact. This foundational role involves setting strategic direction, fostering partnerships, and ensuring the organization's activities align with the university's commitment to impactful research. By driving the development of innovative educational solutions, Ayu Chan directly supports the Centre for Research for Educational Impact's mission. Ultimately, Chan has built a vital platform for student engagement in educational innovation and policy advocacy.

    Matthew Edge - Chief Marketing Officer

    Matthew Edge, the Chief Marketing Officer at Deakin University, directs all external communications and brand strategy. Overseeing the university's global outreach initiatives, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging across all platforms, amplifying the institution's research impact and academic offerings. This leadership role involves developing and executing comprehensive marketing campaigns that attract prospective students and foster strong alumni relations. By optimizing digital engagement and public relations efforts, Matthew Edge directly supports the university's mission to translate high-quality educational research into impactful solutions. Ultimately, Edge solidifies Deakin University's position as a leader in educational innovation and social justice advocacy.

    Jocelyn Reid - Chief of Staff

    Jocelyn Reid, the Chief of Staff at Deakin University, manages strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across key departments. Coordinating high-level projects and ensuring alignment with the university's overarching goals, the Chief of Staff facilitates seamless execution of the leadership agenda. This critical role involves advising senior leadership, streamlining internal processes, and fostering collaboration among diverse teams to advance the university's research translation efforts. By driving effective governance and policy implementation, Jocelyn Reid directly supports the commitment to socially just and equitable educational societies. Ultimately, Reid enhances the operational capacity of Deakin University, enabling greater impact in digital learning and STEM education.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Deakin University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Deakin University?
    Deakin University is led by Clare Lezaja (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Harvey Tran (President, Deakin Information Security Club) and Aanvi Batavia (President).
    Who is part of Deakin University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Deakin University includes leaders such as Clare Lezaja (Chief Financial Officer), Harvey Tran (President, Deakin Information Security Club), Aanvi Batavia (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Deakin University have?
    Deakin University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Deakin University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Deakin University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, Deakin Information Security Club, President, President, President.