Macquarie University Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Macquarie University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, marketing, and specialized academies.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, Macquarie University empowers students and researchers to multiply their potential through innovative learning and impactful research, fostering industry collaboration to address real-world challenges.

Leadership Roles at Macquarie University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Deirdre Anderson
  • Chief Executive Officer, Cyber Skills Academy - Matthew Bushby
  • Chief Operating Officer - Maria Bennett
  • Executive Manager, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer - Casey Minissale
  • Founder & President - Fiona Wylie
  • President - Suhaas Gambhir
  • President - R Users Group - Belinda Fabian
  • President, Alumni Network (Tan, Thailand) - Wasin Praditsilp
  • President - Natalia Chatrath
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Elizabeth Horbach
  • Deirdre Anderson - Chief Executive Officer

    Deirdre Anderson, the Chief Executive Officer at Macquarie University, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional direction. Anderson guides the university's mission to empower students and researchers, ensuring alignment with global academic standards and market demands. This leadership role involves fostering innovation across all faculties, from business and law to health sciences and engineering. Anderson drives the university's commitment to collaboration with industry partners, translating research into tangible solutions for real-world challenges. The Chief Executive Officer oversees the integration of new learning technologies and pedagogical approaches, enhancing educational outcomes for a diverse student body. By championing higher degree research initiatives, Deirdre Anderson cultivates an environment conducive to groundbreaking discoveries and academic advancement, solidifying the university's position among the top 1% globally.
    Deirdre Anderson

    Matthew Bushby - Chief Executive Officer, Cyber Skills Academy

    Matthew Bushby, the Chief Executive Officer, Cyber Skills Academy at Macquarie University, spearheads the development and strategic direction of specialized cybersecurity education programs. Bushby leads the academy's mission to equip students and professionals with cutting-edge skills essential for addressing the evolving landscape of digital threats. This role involves forging strong connections with industry leaders to ensure curriculum relevance and career readiness. The Chief Executive Officer, Cyber Skills Academy oversees the integration of practical training methodologies and innovative learning experiences tailored to the cybersecurity domain. Bushby drives initiatives that foster research and development within cyber technologies, contributing to the university's broader impact. By focusing on high-demand skills, Matthew Bushby enhances Macquarie University's reputation for producing highly qualified graduates ready to tackle complex real-world challenges in the digital sphere.
    Matthew Bushby

    Maria Bennett - Chief Operating Officer

    Maria Bennett, the Chief Operating Officer at Macquarie University, manages the comprehensive operational framework supporting the institution's academic and research endeavors. Bennett oversees the efficient functioning of administrative departments, ensuring seamless delivery of services across campus operations, student support, and infrastructure management. This critical role involves optimizing resource allocation and driving operational efficiencies to support the university's strategic objectives. Bennett ensures that the university's physical and digital environments effectively facilitate innovative learning and impactful research. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates closely with other senior leaders to implement policies that enhance educational outcomes and foster industry partnerships. By streamlining processes and managing complex logistical challenges, Maria Bennett directly contributes to the university's capacity to address real-world problems and expand its global reach.

    Casey Minissale - Executive Manager, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer

    Casey Minissale, the Executive Manager, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at Macquarie University, provides critical strategic and operational support to senior leadership. Minissale manages key projects and initiatives that advance the university's objectives in areas such as academic innovation, research impact, and operational efficiency. This position involves coordinating cross-departmental efforts to ensure seamless execution of institutional strategies. The Executive Manager, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer plays a vital role in facilitating communication and collaboration between the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and other university stakeholders. Minissale oversees the effective management of resources and administrative processes within the COO's office, contributing to the smooth functioning of the university's operations. By ensuring strategic alignment and efficient workflow, Casey Minissale directly supports Macquarie University's mission to empower students and researchers.

    Fiona Wylie - Founder & President

    Fiona Wylie, the Founder & President at Macquarie University, established the foundational vision and strategic direction for the institution's growth and academic excellence. Wylie's leadership has been pivotal in shaping the university's commitment to innovative learning and impactful research across diverse fields including business, law, and health sciences. This role involves guiding the institution's mission to empower students and researchers to multiply their potential. The Founder & President fosters crucial collaborations with industry partners, ensuring that educational outcomes address real-world challenges. Wylie champions opportunities for higher degree research and provides pathways for student entry and development. By instilling a culture of continuous improvement and academic rigor, Fiona Wylie has cemented Macquarie University's status as a globally recognized leader in education.

    Suhaas Gambhir - President

    Suhaas Gambhir, the President at Macquarie University, drives strategic initiatives focused on enhancing the student experience and academic offerings. Gambhir oversees programs designed to empower students and researchers, ensuring alignment with the university's mission of innovative learning and impactful research. This leadership position involves fostering a collaborative environment that encourages industry partnerships and addresses real-world challenges. The President directs efforts to expand access to educational opportunities, including scholarships and higher degree research pathways. Suhaas Gambhir champions the integration of new pedagogical approaches and technologies to optimize educational outcomes. By focusing on student success and academic advancement, Gambhir contributes significantly to Macquarie University's global standing and its commitment to multiplying potential.

    Belinda Fabian - President - R Users Group

    Belinda Fabian, the President - R Users Group at Macquarie University, leads a specialized community focused on advancing the application and understanding of the R programming language within academic and research contexts. Fabian directs initiatives that promote knowledge sharing and skill development among users, enhancing their capacity for data analysis and statistical modeling. This role involves organizing workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects that support innovative learning and impactful research across various disciplines. The President - R Users Group fosters connections between students, researchers, and industry professionals, facilitating the application of R to address real-world challenges. Belinda Fabian champions the use of R as a tool for multiplying potential in data-driven fields. By cultivating a vibrant user community, Fabian strengthens Macquarie University's capabilities in quantitative research and data science.
    Belinda Fabian

    Wasin Praditsilp - President, Alumni Network (Tan, Thailand)

    Wasin Praditsilp, the President, Alumni Network (Tan, Thailand) at Macquarie University, cultivates and strengthens the university's alumni community within Thailand. Praditsilp leads efforts to foster ongoing engagement and support for the university's mission, connecting graduates with current students and faculty. This role involves organizing networking events and professional development opportunities that enhance the career trajectories of alumni. The President, Alumni Network (Tan, Thailand) serves as a key liaison, bridging the university with its international network to promote collaboration and shared success. Praditsilp champions initiatives that leverage the expertise of alumni to address real-world challenges and contribute to educational outcomes. By building a robust and active alumni presence, Wasin Praditsilp reinforces Macquarie University's global impact and its commitment to multiplying potential.

    Natalia Chatrath - President

    Natalia Chatrath, the President at Macquarie University, drives strategic priorities aimed at enhancing the institution's global standing and academic impact. Chatrath oversees key programs designed to empower students and researchers, ensuring the university's commitment to innovative learning and impactful research is consistently met. This leadership function involves cultivating strong relationships with industry partners to address complex real-world challenges effectively. The President directs initiatives that expand access to educational pathways, including scholarships and opportunities for higher degree research. Natalia Chatrath champions the adoption of advanced learning methodologies and technologies to optimize educational outcomes for a diverse student population. By focusing on academic excellence and research innovation, Chatrath significantly contributes to Macquarie University's mission of multiplying potential.

    Elizabeth Horbach - Chief Marketing Officer

    Elizabeth Horbach, the Chief Marketing Officer at Macquarie University, architects and executes comprehensive marketing strategies to elevate the university's global profile and attract diverse student cohorts. Horbach directs initiatives that showcase the institution's strengths in business, education, engineering, law, and health sciences, emphasizing its commitment to innovative learning and impactful research. This leadership position involves developing compelling narratives that resonate with prospective students, faculty, and industry partners worldwide. The Chief Marketing Officer oversees brand management, digital marketing campaigns, and public relations efforts, ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms. Horbach drives engagement with alumni networks and community stakeholders, reinforcing Macquarie University's reputation as a leading educational institution. By strategically positioning the university's offerings, Elizabeth Horbach significantly contributes to enrollment growth and the cultivation of valuable external relationships.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Macquarie University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Macquarie University?
    Macquarie University is led by Deirdre Anderson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Matthew Bushby (Chief Executive Officer, Cyber Skills Academy) and Maria Bennett (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Macquarie University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Macquarie University includes leaders such as Deirdre Anderson (Chief Executive Officer), Matthew Bushby (Chief Executive Officer, Cyber Skills Academy), Maria Bennett (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Macquarie University have?
    Macquarie University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Macquarie University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Macquarie University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Cyber Skills Academy, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Manager, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer, Founder & President.