La Trobe University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

La Trobe University has 5 executives leading key functions including operations, information technology, academic leadership, cybersecurity, and institutional governance.

Committed to addressing global challenges through innovative research, La Trobe University fosters academic excellence and community engagement to ensure students achieve career readiness across diverse disciplines.

Leadership Roles at La Trobe University

  • Chief Operating Officer - Vesna Stefanovski
  • Vice-Chancellor and President - Theodore Farrell
  • President - Dion Ellul
  • Chief Information Officer - Shainal Kavar
  • Chief Information Security Officer - David W.
  • Vesna Stefanovski - Chief Operating Officer

    Vesna Stefanovski, the Chief Operating Officer at La Trobe University, directs all internal administrative functions and campus infrastructure projects. Overseeing the operational efficiency of the university, the Chief Operating Officer manages resource allocation across various departments to support academic goals. Stefanovski drives the implementation of sustainable campus initiatives while ensuring that physical and digital assets align with long-term institutional growth. By coordinating with the Board on fiscal planning, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes service delivery for students and faculty. Vesna Stefanovski maintains a focus on streamlining complex processes to enhance the overall university experience. Through rigorous oversight of administrative workflows, the Chief Operating Officer secures the operational foundation necessary for academic success. This leadership role involves managing large-scale projects that impact the university's footprint across regional and metropolitan campuses, ultimately strengthening the institution's capacity to deliver high-quality education in a competitive global market.

    Theodore Farrell - Vice-Chancellor and President

    Theodore Farrell, the Vice-Chancellor and President at La Trobe University, directs the overarching academic vision and strategic direction of the institution. Overseeing the university's commitment to research excellence and industry partnerships, the Vice-Chancellor and President shapes the long-term growth strategy. Farrell manages relationships with government bodies and international stakeholders to expand the university's global influence. By aligning academic programs with evolving industry needs, the Vice-Chancellor and President ensures that graduates remain career-ready in a changing economy. Theodore Farrell maintains a focus on fostering an inclusive environment for Indigenous and international students alike. Through the promotion of innovative research initiatives, the Vice-Chancellor and President drives the university's impact on local and global communities. This leadership role involves guiding the executive team toward achieving sustainability goals and maintaining high standards of academic integrity, ultimately positioning the institution as a leader in higher education and research-driven problem solving.

    Dion Ellul - President

    Dion Ellul, the President at La Trobe University, directs the institutional governance and external advocacy efforts to advance the university's mission. Overseeing the alignment of university policies with community engagement goals, the President drives initiatives that strengthen the institution's reputation. Ellul manages high-level partnerships with industry leaders to create practical experience opportunities for students. By fostering a culture of sustainability and social responsibility, the President ensures that the university addresses pressing global challenges. Dion Ellul maintains a focus on expanding the university's reach through strategic alliances and community-based programs. Through the coordination of institutional resources, the President supports the development of flexible learning options that cater to diverse student populations. This leadership role involves navigating the complexities of the higher education landscape to ensure the university remains a pillar of innovation and career readiness. Ultimately, the President secures the long-term viability of the institution by championing academic excellence and impactful research across all disciplines.

    Shainal Kavar - Chief Information Officer

    Shainal Kavar, the Chief Information Officer at La Trobe University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting modern learning and research environments. Overseeing the integration of advanced educational technologies, the Chief Information Officer drives the digital transformation strategy across all faculties. Kavar manages the deployment of scalable cloud solutions and data management systems to facilitate seamless online and on-campus learning experiences. By collaborating with academic leaders, the Chief Information Officer ensures that technological resources directly support research innovation and student engagement. Shainal Kavar maintains a focus on modernizing legacy systems to improve institutional agility and data accessibility. Through the implementation of robust IT governance frameworks, the Chief Information Officer supports the university's mission to address global challenges through technology. This leadership role involves managing complex digital ecosystems that enable the university to maintain a strong competitive position in the international education sector while fostering a culture of continuous digital improvement.
    Shainal Kavar

    David W. - Chief Information Security Officer

    David W., the Chief Information Security Officer at La Trobe University, architects the comprehensive security framework protecting institutional data and research intellectual property. Overseeing the defense of critical digital assets, the Chief Information Security Officer drives the implementation of advanced threat detection and response protocols. W. manages the university's compliance with global cybersecurity standards while mitigating risks associated with large-scale academic networks. By collaborating with the IT department, the Chief Information Security Officer ensures that security measures do not impede the collaborative nature of research and learning. David W. maintains a focus on proactive risk management to safeguard the privacy of students and staff across all campuses. Through the development of robust security policies, the Chief Information Security Officer supports the university's commitment to maintaining a secure and reliable digital environment. This leadership role involves managing complex security challenges that arise from the university's extensive international research collaborations and diverse digital footprint.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding La Trobe University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads La Trobe University?
    La Trobe University is led by Vesna Stefanovski (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Theodore Farrell (Vice-Chancellor and President) and Dion Ellul (President).
    Who is part of La Trobe University’s executive team?
    The executive team of La Trobe University includes leaders such as Vesna Stefanovski (Chief Operating Officer), Theodore Farrell (Vice-Chancellor and President), Dion Ellul (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does La Trobe University have?
    La Trobe University has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in La Trobe University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of La Trobe University includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Vice-Chancellor and President, President, Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer.