TAFE NSW Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

TAFE NSW has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, information technology, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to accessible learning, TAFE NSW provides vocational education and training across New South Wales, Australia, empowering individuals with practical skills for career advancement and contributing to the region's economic development.

Leadership Roles at TAFE NSW

  • Chief Executive Officer - Elizabeth Hobbs
  • Chief Financial Officer - Louise Coutts
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Kristen Gadd
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Benjamin Turner
  • Chief Operating Officer - Susannah Le Bron
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer - Daniel Bowes
  • Chief Information Officer, R - Muhammad Azam
  • Chief People Officer - Julie Tickle
  • Elizabeth Hobbs - Chief Executive Officer

    Elizabeth Hobbs, the Chief Executive Officer at TAFE NSW, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the institution. This leadership role involves guiding TAFE NSW's mission to deliver high-quality vocational education and training across New South Wales, Australia. Hobbs ensures alignment with government objectives and industry demands, fostering innovation in course delivery and student support services. Overseeing all major institutional initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer drives the expansion of degree and short course offerings, enhancing TAFE NSW's market position. By championing a culture of continuous improvement, Elizabeth Hobbs ensures the organization remains at the forefront of vocational education, directly impacting the employability of its graduates and the economic vitality of the region.
    Elizabeth Hobbs

    Louise Coutts - Chief Financial Officer

    Louise Coutts, the Chief Financial Officer at TAFE NSW, oversees all financial planning, management, and reporting for the institution. This critical role involves managing budgets, investments, and financial risk across TAFE NSW's operations in New South Wales, Australia. Coutts ensures the fiscal health and sustainability of the organization, supporting its mission to provide accessible vocational education and training. The Chief Financial Officer directs financial strategy, working closely with other executives to allocate resources effectively for program development and campus infrastructure. By maintaining robust financial controls and driving fiscal responsibility, Louise Coutts underpins TAFE NSW's ability to deliver a wide range of degrees and short courses.
    Louise Coutts

    Kristen Gadd - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Kristen Gadd, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at TAFE NSW, supports the Chief Financial Officer in managing the institution's financial operations. This role involves assisting with financial planning, budgeting, and the analysis of financial performance across TAFE NSW's extensive network in New South Wales, Australia. Gadd contributes to ensuring the fiscal integrity and efficiency of the organization, facilitating the delivery of vocational education and training. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in implementing financial policies and procedures, supporting the strategic financial objectives of TAFE NSW. By providing detailed financial insights and support, Kristen Gadd aids in the effective management of resources for degrees and short courses.

    Benjamin Turner - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Benjamin Turner, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at TAFE NSW, collaborates with the Chief Financial Officer to manage the institution's financial health and strategic planning. This executive function involves supporting the oversight of financial reporting, budgeting processes, and resource allocation across TAFE NSW's operations in New South Wales, Australia. Turner contributes to maintaining financial discipline and driving efficiency in the delivery of vocational education and training. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer assists in developing financial models and analyses to support decision-making for degrees and short courses. By ensuring sound financial practices, Benjamin Turner reinforces TAFE NSW's commitment to sustainable operations.

    Susannah Le Bron - Chief Operating Officer

    Susannah Le Bron, the Chief Operating Officer at TAFE NSW, manages the day-to-day operational activities across all campuses in New South Wales, Australia. This executive function encompasses the oversight of service delivery, resource allocation, and the efficient functioning of educational programs. Le Bron ensures that TAFE NSW's extensive network of campuses operates seamlessly, providing students with access to degrees and short courses. The Chief Operating Officer drives operational excellence, focusing on optimizing processes and enhancing the student experience. By coordinating campus management and support services, Susannah Le Bron directly contributes to the institution's capacity to meet diverse learning needs and maintain high standards of educational provision.

    Daniel Bowes - Deputy Chief Operating Officer

    Daniel Bowes, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at TAFE NSW, assists the Chief Operating Officer in overseeing the operational execution of educational programs and services. This position involves supporting the management of TAFE NSW's campuses across New South Wales, Australia, ensuring the smooth delivery of vocational training. Bowes contributes to optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing the student experience, aligning with the institution's commitment to accessible education. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer focuses on implementing operational strategies and managing resources to support the provision of degrees and short courses. By driving operational improvements, Daniel Bowes directly supports TAFE NSW's capacity to serve a broad student population.

    Muhammad Azam - Chief Information Officer, R

    Muhammad Azam, the Chief Information Officer, R at TAFE NSW, leads the strategic direction and implementation of information technology across the institution. This role involves overseeing the development and management of IT infrastructure, systems, and digital services that support TAFE NSW's vocational education and training mission in New South Wales, Australia. Azam ensures that technology enhances learning experiences and operational efficiency for degrees and short courses. The Chief Information Officer, R drives innovation in digital learning platforms and data management, safeguarding institutional data. By modernizing IT capabilities, Muhammad Azam directly supports TAFE NSW's commitment to accessible and effective education.

    Julie Tickle - Chief People Officer

    Julie Tickle, the Chief People Officer at TAFE NSW, directs human resources strategy and operations to support the institution's workforce. This executive role encompasses talent acquisition, employee development, and fostering a positive organizational culture across TAFE NSW's operations in New South Wales, Australia. Tickle ensures that TAFE NSW attracts and retains skilled educators and staff essential for delivering high-quality vocational education and training. The Chief People Officer oversees the implementation of HR policies and programs that align with the institution's strategic goals for degrees and short courses. By championing employee engagement and development, Julie Tickle strengthens TAFE NSW's human capital.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding TAFE NSW Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads TAFE NSW?
    TAFE NSW is led by Elizabeth Hobbs (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Louise Coutts (Chief Financial Officer) and Kristen Gadd (Deputy Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of TAFE NSW’s executive team?
    The executive team of TAFE NSW includes leaders such as Elizabeth Hobbs (Chief Executive Officer), Louise Coutts (Chief Financial Officer), Kristen Gadd (Deputy Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does TAFE NSW have?
    TAFE NSW has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in TAFE NSW’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of TAFE NSW includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.