RMIT University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

RMIT University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and finance.

Dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation, RMIT University provides vocational and higher education, shaping future leaders and driving societal progress through its comprehensive academic offerings.

Leadership Roles at RMIT University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Nic Cola
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Finance Partnering (Interim) - Tom Weir
  • Chief Operating Officer, ARC Centre of Excellence In Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science - Scott Kolbe
  • Design Collective Co-Founder & President - Ronghan Sun
  • President - Vyomaa Bhaskar
  • President, Rmit Technology Entrepreneurship Network & Club - Sampa Sarkar
  • President - Ally Raisa
  • President - Navya Chugh
  • Chief of Staff - Brooke Griffin
  • Manager, Planning & Operations & Chief Information Officer, Office of - Caroline Heinze
  • Nic Cola - Chief Executive Officer

    Nic Cola, the Chief Executive Officer at RMIT University, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the institution. Cola's leadership guides RMIT University's commitment to providing high-quality vocational and higher education programs. This executive ensures alignment across all university departments, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and academic excellence. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities encompass driving institutional growth and enhancing RMIT University's reputation within the global education sector. Nic Cola oversees the strategic planning process, ensuring that the university's objectives are met and that its educational offerings remain relevant and impactful in the evolving landscape of learning and development. This critical role involves significant engagement with stakeholders, including faculty, students, and industry partners, to advance the university's mission.

    Tom Weir - Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Finance Partnering (Interim)

    Tom Weir, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Finance Partnering (Interim) at RMIT University, provides critical financial guidance and strategic partnership across university departments. Weir oversees financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource optimization. This executive's role involves collaborating closely with various faculties and administrative units to support their financial objectives and strategic initiatives. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer's focus on finance partnering ensures that financial insights directly contribute to operational decision-making and long-term institutional sustainability. Tom Weir's interim leadership strengthens RMIT University's financial management, supporting its mission of delivering exceptional education and research.

    Scott Kolbe - Chief Operating Officer, ARC Centre of Excellence In Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science

    Scott Kolbe, the Chief Operating Officer, ARC Centre of Excellence In Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science at RMIT University, manages the operational framework supporting advanced scientific research. Kolbe oversees the day-to-day functions critical to the success of the ARC Centre, ensuring resources are effectively deployed for breakthrough discoveries. This executive's purview includes managing facilities, budgets, and administrative processes essential for cutting-edge scientific endeavors. The Chief Operating Officer's role involves fostering a productive research environment and facilitating collaboration among scientists and support staff. Scott Kolbe drives operational excellence, enabling the Centre to achieve its ambitious goals in optical microcomb technology and related scientific fields, contributing significantly to RMIT University's research output.
    Scott Kolbe

    Ronghan Sun - Design Collective Co-Founder & President

    Ronghan Sun, the Design Collective Co-Founder & President at RMIT University, spearheads initiatives within the Design Collective, fostering innovation and collaboration in design disciplines. Sun leads the strategic direction of the collective, promoting creative exploration and the development of new design methodologies. This executive's role involves cultivating a vibrant community of designers, researchers, and students, encouraging interdisciplinary projects. The President's focus is on enhancing RMIT University's standing in design education and practice through impactful projects and partnerships. Ronghan Sun drives the vision for the Design Collective, ensuring its contributions align with the university's commitment to creative excellence and industry relevance.

    Vyomaa Bhaskar - President

    Vyomaa Bhaskar, the President at RMIT University, leads specific strategic initiatives and represents key stakeholder interests within the institution. Bhaskar's leadership focuses on advancing particular programs or organizational objectives, ensuring their successful implementation and impact. This executive's responsibilities include fostering collaboration and driving progress in designated areas of the university's operations. The President's role is crucial in translating broad institutional goals into focused action plans. Vyomaa Bhaskar contributes significantly to RMIT University's ongoing development and its mission to provide relevant, high-quality education and research opportunities.

    Sampa Sarkar - President, Rmit Technology Entrepreneurship Network & Club

    Sampa Sarkar, the President, Rmit Technology Entrepreneurship Network & Club at RMIT University, champions the development of entrepreneurial talent and technological innovation among students and faculty. Sarkar leads the network and club, fostering an ecosystem that supports startups and new ventures. This executive's focus is on providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to aspiring tech entrepreneurs. The President's role involves organizing events, workshops, and competitions that stimulate innovation and business creation. Sampa Sarkar drives the growth of technology entrepreneurship at RMIT University, empowering individuals to translate ideas into successful enterprises and contributing to the university's innovation agenda.

    Ally Raisa - President

    Ally Raisa, the President at RMIT University, directs key strategic priorities and oversees specific operational units to ensure alignment with institutional goals. Raisa's leadership is focused on enhancing the effectiveness and reach of designated university functions. This executive's responsibilities include driving initiatives that support academic excellence and student success. The President's role is integral to the smooth functioning of RMIT University, ensuring that strategic objectives are met through efficient management and proactive planning. Ally Raisa contributes to the university's continuous improvement and its commitment to delivering impactful educational experiences.
    Navya Chugh, the President at RMIT University, leads critical strategic projects and ensures the effective execution of departmental objectives. Chugh's leadership focuses on advancing specific areas of the university's operations and academic programs. This executive's role involves fostering collaboration and driving progress across various teams and initiatives. The President's contribution is vital to RMIT University's ability to achieve its mission by ensuring that strategic plans are implemented efficiently and effectively. Navya Chugh plays a key part in the ongoing development and success of the university's educational and research endeavors.

    Brooke Griffin - Chief of Staff

    Brooke Griffin, the Chief of Staff at RMIT University, provides direct support to the Chief Executive Officer, managing strategic initiatives and operational efficiency. Griffin coordinates cross-functional projects, ensuring seamless execution of key university objectives. This role involves facilitating communication between various departments and leadership levels, optimizing workflow and resource allocation. The Chief of Staff's duties include preparing reports, managing schedules, and acting as a liaison for critical communications. Brooke Griffin plays a vital part in translating strategic goals into actionable plans, driving the implementation of new policies and programs. This executive ensures that RMIT University operates with maximum effectiveness, supporting the CEO's vision for academic and operational excellence.

    Caroline Heinze - Manager, Planning & Operations & Chief Information Officer, Office of

    Caroline Heinze, the Manager, Planning & Operations & Chief Information Officer, Office of at RMIT University, directs the strategic planning and operational execution of the university's information technology infrastructure. Heinze oversees the development and implementation of IT policies, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and efficient data management systems are in place. This executive's responsibilities extend to managing technology resources, supporting academic and administrative functions through advanced digital solutions. The Chief Information Officer's leadership ensures that RMIT University leverages technology to enhance learning, research, and operational efficiency. Caroline Heinze drives innovation in IT, aligning technological advancements with the university's broader educational mission and strategic objectives.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding RMIT University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads RMIT University?
    RMIT University is led by Nic Cola (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Tom Weir (Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Finance Partnering (Interim)) and Scott Kolbe (Chief Operating Officer, ARC Centre of Excellence In Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science).
    Who is part of RMIT University’s executive team?
    The executive team of RMIT University includes leaders such as Nic Cola (Chief Executive Officer), Tom Weir (Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Finance Partnering (Interim)), Scott Kolbe (Chief Operating Officer, ARC Centre of Excellence In Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does RMIT University have?
    RMIT University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in RMIT University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of RMIT University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Finance Partnering (Interim), Chief Operating Officer, ARC Centre of Excellence In Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science, Design Collective Co-Founder & President, President.