UNSW Sydney Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

UNSW Sydney has 11 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and academic governance.

Driven by a commitment to societal impact, UNSW Sydney is dedicated to advancing knowledge through discovery and sharing, aiming to improve lives globally.

Leadership Roles at UNSW Sydney

  • Chief Executive Officer - Shelley Valentine
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Sharif Ahmmad
  • Chief Financial Officer, Unsw Press - Linda Vrckovski
  • Chief Operating Officer, International Centre For Future Health Systems - Frederick Sitas
  • Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer - Helena Mangs
  • Chief Operating Officer - UNSW RNA Institute - Joshua Peterson
  • Chief Operating Officer, Unsw Analytical Centre - Kellie Moore
  • Strategic Projects Executive Officer & Vice Office of The Chancellor & President - Scott Hoggan
  • President of Academic Board - Alexander Steel
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Tanya Freeman
  • Shelley Valentine - Chief Executive Officer

    Shelley Valentine, the Chief Executive Officer at UNSW Sydney, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the institution. Valentine's leadership ensures alignment with UNSW Sydney's mission of societal impact through knowledge sharing and discovery. This executive role involves overseeing all major institutional initiatives, driving innovation across academic and research endeavors, and fostering a culture of excellence. Valentine's strategic direction guides the university's engagement with global partners and stakeholders, solidifying its position as a leader in education and research. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of UNSW Sydney, managing key relationships with government bodies and industry leaders, and championing the university's commitment to serving society. Shelley Valentine's influence shapes the institution's trajectory, focusing on impactful contributions to the global community.

    Sharif Ahmmad - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Sharif Ahmmad, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at UNSW Sydney, established the foundational principles that guide the university's mission. Ahmmad's role encompasses setting the long-term strategic direction and fostering an environment of continuous discovery and knowledge dissemination. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer's leadership is critical in translating UNSW Sydney's commitment to societal impact into tangible outcomes across its academic and research programs. This position involves overseeing the strategic development of new initiatives, ensuring robust governance structures, and cultivating key relationships with national and international partners. Sharif Ahmmad's vision drives the institution's pursuit of excellence, focusing on innovation and the effective sharing of knowledge to benefit society. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer's influence is central to maintaining UNSW Sydney's reputation for impactful contributions and academic leadership.

    Linda Vrckovski - Chief Financial Officer, Unsw Press

    Linda Vrckovski, the Chief Financial Officer, Unsw Press at UNSW Sydney, directs the financial strategy and management for the university's publishing arm. Vrckovski's oversight ensures the financial viability and strategic growth of UNSW Press, supporting its role in knowledge dissemination. This executive position involves managing budgets, financial planning, and reporting for all publishing activities. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include optimizing financial performance, securing funding for new ventures, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Linda Vrckovski's financial acumen is crucial for the sustained success of UNSW Press, enabling it to publish impactful research and scholarly works. By guiding the financial operations, Vrckovski supports the expansion of UNSW Sydney's reach through its publications, contributing to its mission of serving society.

    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 framework for advanced health systems research and development. Sitas's leadership ensures the efficient functioning of the International Centre For Future Health Systems, supporting its mission to drive innovation in global health. This role involves overseeing resource allocation, strategic planning for research projects, and fostering collaborations across international health networks. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include optimizing operational processes to accelerate discovery and knowledge sharing within the health sector. Frederick Sitas's operational expertise is vital for advancing UNSW Sydney's impact on global health challenges, ensuring the centre's research translates into practical solutions. By directing the operational activities, Sitas enhances the centre's capacity to contribute significantly to future health systems worldwide.

    Helena Mangs - Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer

    Helena Mangs, the Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer at UNSW Sydney, supports the strategic direction and manages the day-to-day operations of key institutional functions. Mangs's leadership ensures operational efficiency and alignment with UNSW Sydney's overarching mission of societal impact through discovery and knowledge sharing. This role involves overseeing multiple departments, optimizing resource utilization, and implementing strategic initiatives across the university. The Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include driving operational improvements, managing cross-functional projects, and ensuring seamless execution of institutional goals. Helena Mangs's operational expertise is critical for enhancing UNSW Sydney's capacity to conduct groundbreaking research and disseminate knowledge effectively. By managing operational frameworks, Mangs contributes to the university's sustained growth and its commitment to serving the global community.

    Joshua Peterson - Chief Operating Officer - UNSW RNA Institute

    Joshua Peterson, the Chief Operating Officer - UNSW RNA Institute at UNSW Sydney, directs the operational framework supporting cutting-edge RNA research. Peterson's leadership ensures the efficient functioning of the UNSW RNA Institute, facilitating its mission of discovery and innovation in molecular biology. This role involves managing research infrastructure, optimizing laboratory operations, and coordinating resources for complex scientific projects. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include overseeing budget management for the institute, ensuring compliance with scientific standards, and fostering collaborations within the RNA research community. Joshua Peterson's operational expertise is critical for advancing UNSW Sydney's contributions to RNA science, accelerating breakthroughs that can benefit society. By managing the institute's operations, Peterson enhances its capacity for impactful research and knowledge generation.
    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 efficiency and strategic development of the university's analytical services. Moore's leadership ensures the UNSW Analytical Centre provides state-of-the-art support for research and discovery across various disciplines. This position involves overseeing the management of advanced analytical instrumentation, optimizing laboratory workflows, and ensuring the highest standards of data integrity. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing the centre's budget, coordinating service delivery to internal and external clients, and driving technological advancements in analytical capabilities. Kellie Moore's operational expertise is crucial for enhancing UNSW Sydney's research infrastructure, enabling precise and impactful scientific investigations. By directing the centre's operations, Moore supports the university's commitment to knowledge sharing and societal advancement.
    Kellie Moore

    Scott Hoggan - Strategic Projects Executive Officer & Vice Office of The Chancellor & President

    Scott Hoggan, the Strategic Projects Executive Officer & Vice Office of The Chancellor & President at UNSW Sydney, drives critical strategic initiatives and supports the leadership of the Chancellor and President. Hoggan's role involves overseeing the execution of high-priority projects that advance UNSW Sydney's mission of societal impact and knowledge discovery. This position requires close collaboration with senior leadership to ensure strategic alignment and effective implementation of institutional goals. The Strategic Projects Executive Officer's responsibilities include managing project timelines, coordinating stakeholder engagement, and ensuring the successful delivery of complex university-wide programs. Scott Hoggan's strategic oversight is essential for translating institutional vision into actionable outcomes, reinforcing UNSW Sydney's commitment to excellence and service to society.

    Alexander Steel - President of Academic Board

    Alexander Steel, the President of Academic Board at UNSW Sydney, presides over the academic governance and strategic direction of the university's educational and research programs. Steel's leadership ensures the integrity and quality of academic standards, upholding UNSW Sydney's commitment to knowledge sharing and discovery. This role involves guiding the Academic Board in its responsibilities, including curriculum development, academic policy, and research oversight. The President of Academic Board's duties encompass fostering academic excellence, promoting innovation in teaching and learning, and advising university leadership on critical academic matters. Alexander Steel's influence is fundamental to maintaining UNSW Sydney's reputation for rigorous scholarship and its dedication to serving society through impactful education and research.

    Tanya Freeman - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Tanya Freeman, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at UNSW Sydney, spearheads the strategic development and implementation of information technology infrastructure. Freeman's leadership ensures that UNSW Sydney's technological capabilities effectively support its mission of knowledge sharing and discovery. This role involves overseeing IT operations, managing cybersecurity initiatives, and driving digital transformation across the university. The Deputy Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include enhancing data management systems, supporting academic research with advanced IT solutions, and ensuring the reliability of all technological services. Tanya Freeman's expertise is vital for maintaining UNSW Sydney's competitive edge in a digital landscape, enabling seamless access to information and resources for students and faculty. By directing IT strategy, Freeman contributes to the university's operational excellence and its commitment to societal impact.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UNSW Sydney Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UNSW Sydney?
    UNSW Sydney is led by Shelley Valentine (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Sharif Ahmmad (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Linda Vrckovski (Chief Financial Officer, Unsw Press).
    Who is part of UNSW Sydney’s executive team?
    The executive team of UNSW Sydney includes leaders such as Shelley Valentine (Chief Executive Officer), Sharif Ahmmad (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Linda Vrckovski (Chief Financial Officer, Unsw Press) 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, Unsw Press, Chief Operating Officer, International Centre For Future Health Systems, Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer.