UNSW Sydney Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

UNSW Sydney has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, and academic leadership.

Dedicated to global knowledge sharing and societal advancement, UNSW Sydney drives transformative research and educational excellence to create lasting impact on lives across the world.

Leadership Roles at UNSW Sydney

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kerry Hudson
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Sharif Ahmmad
  • Chief Financial Officer - Elizabeth Stratford
  • Chief Financial Officer, Unsw Press - Linda Vrckovski
  • Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer - Helena Mangs
  • Chief Operating Officer, International Centre For Future Health Systems - Frederick Sitas
  • Chief Operating Officer - UNSW RNA Institute - Joshua Peterson
  • Chief Operating Officer, Unsw Analytical Centre - Kellie Moore
  • Vice-Chancellor and President - Attila Brungs
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Tanya Freeman
  • Kerry Hudson - Chief Executive Officer

    Kerry Hudson, the Chief Executive Officer at UNSW Sydney, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional growth initiatives. Hudson manages high-level partnerships that expand the university's reach across the Asia-Pacific region. By aligning academic output with global industry demands, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that research initiatives translate into tangible societal benefits. Hudson maintains rigorous standards for operational excellence, coordinating with the board to secure long-term sustainability. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while fostering a culture of innovation. Through the implementation of data-driven decision-making frameworks, Kerry Hudson optimizes resource allocation across diverse departments. The Chief Executive Officer consistently evaluates market trends to maintain the institution's competitive edge in the higher education sector. Ultimately, Hudson secures the university's position as a premier hub for discovery and knowledge dissemination.

    Sharif Ahmmad - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Sharif Ahmmad, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at UNSW Sydney, architects the foundational frameworks that support entrepreneurial research and commercialization efforts. Ahmmad drives the development of new discovery platforms, ensuring that academic breakthroughs reach global markets effectively. By bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and practical application, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer accelerates the university's impact on public health and technology sectors. Ahmmad oversees cross-functional teams tasked with scaling internal ventures and securing external funding. This leadership role requires constant engagement with industry stakeholders to identify emerging opportunities for collaboration. Sharif Ahmmad monitors the execution of strategic roadmaps, ensuring that all projects align with the core mission of societal service. Through meticulous oversight of venture development, Ahmmad fosters an environment where academic excellence meets commercial viability, ultimately strengthening the institution's global footprint.

    Elizabeth Stratford - Chief Financial Officer

    Elizabeth Stratford, the Chief Financial Officer at UNSW Sydney, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic stability of the institution. Stratford oversees complex budgeting processes, capital investment strategies, and financial reporting to ensure transparency and compliance. By analyzing global economic trends, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates financial risks while identifying new revenue streams to support research and infrastructure development. Stratford coordinates with executive leadership to prioritize funding for high-impact academic programs. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of endowment management and operational expenditures. Elizabeth Stratford implements advanced financial modeling to forecast future needs, ensuring that the university maintains the resources necessary for continuous discovery. Through disciplined fiscal governance, Stratford supports the institution's commitment to serving society. The Chief Financial Officer remains focused on optimizing the balance sheet to facilitate sustainable growth and academic excellence across all faculties.

    Linda Vrckovski - Chief Financial Officer, Unsw Press

    Linda Vrckovski, the Chief Financial Officer, Unsw Press at UNSW Sydney, manages the financial operations and publishing economics of the university's press division. Vrckovski directs the budgeting for editorial projects, distribution logistics, and marketing campaigns to ensure the commercial viability of academic publications. By analyzing market demand for scholarly works, the Chief Financial Officer, Unsw Press identifies opportunities to expand the reach of university research through print and digital media. Vrckovski oversees the financial reporting for the press, ensuring that all publishing activities align with the institution's broader fiscal objectives. This leadership role involves managing royalty structures and licensing agreements. Linda Vrckovski monitors the profitability of various publishing lines to optimize resource allocation. Through disciplined financial oversight, Vrckovski supports the dissemination of knowledge to a global audience. The Chief Financial Officer, Unsw Press ensures that the publishing arm remains a sustainable and impactful contributor to the university's mission.

    Helena Mangs - Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer

    Helena Mangs, the Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer at UNSW Sydney, executes the daily operational strategies that sustain the university's administrative and academic functions. Mangs directs the optimization of internal processes, ensuring that resources flow efficiently to support faculty and student needs. By streamlining cross-departmental workflows, the Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer enhances institutional agility and responsiveness. Mangs oversees the implementation of large-scale administrative projects that improve service delivery across the campus. This leadership role involves managing complex logistics and operational infrastructure to support a diverse academic community. Helena Mangs collaborates with other senior leaders to align operational goals with the broader mission of knowledge sharing. Through the application of lean management principles, Mangs reduces administrative overhead and increases productivity. The Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the university's operational foundation remains robust enough to support world-class research and education.

    Frederick Sitas - Chief Operating Officer, International Centre For Future Health Systems

    Frederick Sitas, the Chief Operating Officer, International Centre For Future Health Systems at UNSW Sydney, manages the operational delivery of health-focused research initiatives. Sitas directs the coordination of multidisciplinary teams working on future health systems, ensuring that research projects meet rigorous scientific and ethical standards. By overseeing the logistical requirements of international health studies, the Chief Operating Officer, International Centre For Future Health Systems facilitates global collaboration and data sharing. Sitas monitors project timelines and resource utilization to maximize the impact of health research on public policy. This leadership role involves engaging with global health organizations to translate findings into actionable solutions. Frederick Sitas ensures that the centre's operations remain aligned with the university's mission of societal service. Through the effective management of research infrastructure, Sitas supports the development of innovative health systems that address critical challenges in the global medical landscape.

    Joshua Peterson - Chief Operating Officer - UNSW RNA Institute

    Joshua Peterson, the Chief Operating Officer - UNSW RNA Institute at UNSW Sydney, executes the operational strategy for the university's specialized RNA research facilities. Peterson directs the procurement of high-tech laboratory equipment and manages the complex supply chains required for cutting-edge genetic research. By overseeing the daily operations of the institute, the Chief Operating Officer - UNSW RNA Institute ensures that researchers have the necessary environment to conduct breakthrough studies. Peterson coordinates with external partners to facilitate the commercialization of RNA-based therapies. This leadership role involves managing safety protocols and regulatory compliance within the laboratory setting. Joshua Peterson monitors the allocation of research grants to ensure that projects remain on track and within budget. Through the efficient management of specialized infrastructure, Peterson supports the institute's goal of advancing medical science. The Chief Operating Officer - UNSW RNA Institute drives the operational excellence required for high-stakes genetic discovery.
    Joshua Peterson

    Kellie Moore - Chief Operating Officer, Unsw Analytical Centre

    Kellie Moore, the Chief Operating Officer, Unsw Analytical Centre at UNSW Sydney, manages the operational capacity of the university's core analytical and testing facilities. Moore directs the maintenance of advanced instrumentation and ensures that the centre provides high-quality data services to both internal researchers and external industry clients. By overseeing the scheduling and utilization of analytical equipment, the Chief Operating Officer, Unsw Analytical Centre optimizes the throughput of complex scientific testing. Moore implements quality control measures that uphold the integrity of research findings. This leadership role involves managing technical staff and ensuring that the centre meets international standards for analytical precision. Kellie Moore coordinates with academic departments to align the centre's capabilities with emerging research needs. Through the efficient management of technical resources, Moore supports the university's commitment to discovery. The Chief Operating Officer, Unsw Analytical Centre ensures that the institution maintains its reputation for analytical excellence.
    Kellie Moore

    Attila Brungs - Vice-Chancellor and President

    Attila Brungs, the Vice-Chancellor and President at UNSW Sydney, directs the overall academic and administrative strategy of the university. Brungs oversees the implementation of the institutional vision, ensuring that research, teaching, and community engagement remain aligned with the core mission of societal impact. By representing the university on the global stage, the Vice-Chancellor and President fosters international partnerships that enhance the institution's reputation for excellence. Brungs coordinates with the university council to set long-term goals and policy frameworks. This leadership role involves managing the complex relationships between faculty, students, and external stakeholders. Attila Brungs drives initiatives that promote diversity, innovation, and academic freedom across all campuses. Through the strategic oversight of the university's resources, Brungs ensures that the institution continues to lead in discovery and knowledge sharing. The Vice-Chancellor and President remains committed to fostering an environment where transformative research thrives and benefits society at large.
    Attila Brungs

    Tanya Freeman - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Tanya Freeman, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at UNSW Sydney, architects the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks essential for modern academic research. Freeman directs the deployment of advanced computing resources that enable large-scale data analysis and collaborative discovery. By overseeing the integration of emerging technologies, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that the university remains at the forefront of digital innovation. Freeman manages the security of sensitive research data, implementing robust protocols to protect intellectual property. This leadership role involves coordinating with IT teams to maintain high-availability systems that support global connectivity. Tanya Freeman evaluates technological investments to ensure alignment with the institution's long-term strategic goals. Through the modernization of digital platforms, Freeman enhances the efficiency of administrative and academic processes. The Deputy Chief Information Officer drives the digital transformation necessary to sustain the university's competitive advantage in a technology-driven global landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UNSW Sydney Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UNSW Sydney?
    UNSW Sydney is led by Kerry Hudson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Sharif Ahmmad (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Elizabeth Stratford (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of UNSW Sydney’s executive team?
    The executive team of UNSW Sydney includes leaders such as Kerry Hudson (Chief Executive Officer), Sharif Ahmmad (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Elizabeth Stratford (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does UNSW Sydney have?
    UNSW Sydney has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in UNSW Sydney’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of UNSW Sydney includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Unsw Press, Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer.