La Trobe University Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

La Trobe University has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, finance, and security.

Driven by a commitment to addressing global challenges, La Trobe University provides students with practical experience and career readiness, aiming to make a significant impact both locally and globally through innovative research and industry partnerships.

Leadership Roles at La Trobe University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Peter Enlund
  • Chief Operating Officer - Vesna Stefanovski
  • President - Dion Ellul
  • President - Lyba Khan
  • Vice-Chancellor and President - Theodore Farrell
  • Chief of Staff - Leon Morris
  • Chief Information Officer - Shainal Kavar
  • Chief Information Security Officer - David Willett
  • Peter Enlund - Chief Financial Officer

    Peter Enlund, the Chief Financial Officer at La Trobe University, directs the financial strategy and fiscal management of the institution. Overseeing all financial operations, Enlund ensures the sustainable allocation of resources to support La Trobe's commitment to innovative research, industry partnerships, and providing students with practical experience and career readiness. This leadership position is crucial for maintaining the financial health of the university, enabling it to cater to diverse student populations, including international and Indigenous students, and to offer flexible online learning options across its Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, operations. By managing budgets and financial planning, Peter Enlund directly supports La Trobe University's capacity to address global challenges and advance its sustainability initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital for strategic decision-making, ensuring the long-term viability of La Trobe's educational mission and its significant local and global impact. Enlund's fiscal stewardship underpins the university's growth and operational excellence.

    Vesna Stefanovski - Chief Operating Officer

    Vesna Stefanovski, the Chief Operating Officer at La Trobe University, manages the comprehensive operational framework supporting the institution's academic and research endeavors. Overseeing daily operations, Stefanovski ensures the efficient delivery of services across all campuses, including Bundoora, Victoria, Australia, and supports the university's commitment to addressing global challenges. This leadership position involves optimizing resource utilization and enhancing operational efficiency to provide students with practical experience and career readiness. By driving process improvements, Vesna Stefanovski directly contributes to La Trobe's ability to cater to diverse student populations, including international and Indigenous students, and to offer flexible online learning options. The Chief Operating Officer's strategic oversight extends to implementing sustainable practices and fostering community engagement, reinforcing La Trobe University's dedication to making a significant impact both locally and globally. Stefanovski's operational leadership ensures the seamless functioning of infrastructure and support systems critical for innovative research and industry partnerships.

    Dion Ellul - President

    Dion Ellul, the President at La Trobe University, drives strategic vision and institutional advancement across key academic and administrative domains. Overseeing major university initiatives, Ellul champions La Trobe's commitment to addressing global challenges through innovative research and industry partnerships, thereby enhancing student opportunities for practical experience and career readiness. This leadership role is pivotal in fostering an environment that caters to diverse student populations, including international and Indigenous students, and supports the expansion of flexible online learning options. By cultivating external relationships and partnerships, Dion Ellul strengthens La Trobe University's community engagement and sustainability efforts. The President's influence extends to guiding institutional policy and ensuring alignment with the university's mission to make a significant impact both locally and globally. Ellul's leadership propels La Trobe forward in its pursuit of academic excellence and societal contribution.

    Lyba Khan - President

    Lyba Khan, the President at La Trobe University, spearheads strategic development and operational excellence within designated university sectors. Overseeing critical programs, Khan advances La Trobe's dedication to addressing global challenges through innovative research and industry partnerships, ensuring students gain practical experience and career readiness. This executive function is instrumental in cultivating an inclusive atmosphere that supports diverse student populations, including international and Indigenous students, and facilitates the growth of flexible online learning options. By fostering key stakeholder relationships, Lyba Khan enhances La Trobe University's community engagement and sustainability objectives. The President's strategic direction ensures the university's continued progress toward its mission of significant local and global impact. Khan's leadership reinforces La Trobe's commitment to academic distinction and societal betterment.

    Theodore Farrell - Vice-Chancellor and President

    Theodore Farrell, the Vice-Chancellor and President at La Trobe University, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Overseeing all academic, research, and operational facets, Farrell drives La Trobe's commitment to addressing global challenges through innovative research and industry partnerships, ensuring students receive practical experience and are prepared for career readiness. This paramount leadership role ensures the university effectively caters to diverse student populations, including international and Indigenous students, and expands flexible online learning options across its Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, campuses. By championing the university's vision, Theodore Farrell significantly advances La Trobe University's community engagement and sustainability goals. The Vice-Chancellor and President's ultimate responsibility is to uphold the university's mission and enhance its significant local and global impact. Farrell's strategic guidance shapes La Trobe's future trajectory and academic standing.

    Leon Morris - Chief of Staff

    Leon Morris, the Chief of Staff at La Trobe University, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across key university functions. Overseeing critical projects, Morris ensures seamless execution of the university's mission to address global challenges through innovative research and industry partnerships. This leadership role involves enhancing student opportunities for practical experience and career readiness, directly supporting the university's commitment to providing a robust educational framework. By managing cross-departmental collaborations, Leon Morris facilitates the integration of academic excellence with real-world application, contributing to La Trobe's impact both locally and globally. The Chief of Staff's purview extends to optimizing resource allocation and streamlining administrative processes, ensuring efficient support for diverse student populations, including international and Indigenous students, and supporting flexible online learning options. Morris's strategic guidance underpins La Trobe's emphasis on community engagement and sustainability.

    Shainal Kavar - Chief Information Officer

    Shainal Kavar, the Chief Information Officer at La Trobe University, architects and directs the university's comprehensive information technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all aspects of digital services, Kavar ensures robust technological support for La Trobe's commitment to innovative research and industry partnerships, enhancing student access to practical experience and career readiness. This critical role involves managing the development and implementation of advanced IT solutions that cater to diverse student populations, including international and Indigenous students, and support flexible online learning options across Victoria, Australia. By driving digital transformation initiatives, Shainal Kavar strengthens La Trobe University's capacity to address global challenges and foster community engagement. The Chief Information Officer's leadership ensures the security, scalability, and reliability of the university's IT systems, underpinning its educational mission and operational effectiveness. Kavar's strategic vision guides the integration of technology to advance La Trobe's goals in sustainability and global impact.
    Shainal Kavar

    David Willett - Chief Information Security Officer

    David Willett, the Chief Information Security Officer at La Trobe University, directs the comprehensive cybersecurity strategy and risk management framework for the institution. Overseeing the protection of sensitive data and digital assets, Willett ensures the integrity and confidentiality of information supporting La Trobe's commitment to innovative research and industry partnerships, safeguarding student data and academic resources. This critical role involves implementing robust security measures to protect diverse student populations, including international and Indigenous students, and securing flexible online learning platforms. By managing cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities, David Willett reinforces La Trobe University's dedication to operational resilience and trust. The Chief Information Security Officer's leadership ensures compliance with data protection regulations and maintains the security infrastructure necessary for addressing global challenges and fostering community engagement. Willett's expertise is vital for protecting La Trobe's digital environment and supporting its mission.

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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 Peter Enlund (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Vesna Stefanovski (Chief Operating Officer) 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 Peter Enlund (Chief Financial Officer), Vesna Stefanovski (Chief Operating Officer), Dion Ellul (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does La Trobe University have?
    La Trobe University has 8 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 Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, President, Vice-Chancellor and President.