UNSW Sydney Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

UNSW Sydney has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, institutional advancement, industrial decarbonisation, research innovation, operational management, and financial oversight.

Dedicated to global impact through knowledge sharing and discovery, UNSW Sydney advances society by fostering academic excellence and pioneering research initiatives across diverse international sectors.

Leadership Roles at UNSW Sydney

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kerry Hudson
  • Chief Advancement Officer and Chief Executive Officer of UNSW Foundation Ltd - Lindsay Robinson
  • Chief Executive Officer, UNSW Institute for Industrial Decarbonisation - David Eyre
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Sharif Ahmmad
  • Chief Financial Officer - Elizabeth Stratford
  • Chief Financial Officer, Unsw Press - Linda Vrckovski
  • Chief Operating Officer - Nikki McAusland
  • Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer - Helena Mangs
  • Chief Operating Officer, International Centre For Future Health Systems - Freddy Sitas
  • Managing Director - Chris Thomson
  • Kerry Hudson - Chief Executive Officer

    Kerry Hudson, the Chief Executive Officer at UNSW Sydney, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional mission. Hudson governs the alignment of academic research with global societal needs, ensuring that the university maintains a competitive edge in higher education. By coordinating with the board and senior leadership, the Chief Executive Officer drives long-term growth and operational excellence. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and promoting the university's commitment to knowledge sharing. Kerry Hudson executes high-level initiatives that expand the institution's influence across international markets. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary for groundbreaking discovery. Ultimately, Hudson maintains the integrity of the university's academic standards while pushing for continuous innovation in teaching and research methodologies to benefit communities worldwide.

    Lindsay Robinson - Chief Advancement Officer and Chief Executive Officer of UNSW Foundation Ltd

    Lindsay Robinson, the Chief Advancement Officer and Chief Executive Officer of UNSW Foundation Ltd at UNSW Sydney, manages philanthropic engagement and institutional fundraising. Robinson architects comprehensive development strategies that connect alumni and corporate partners with the university's research goals. Overseeing the foundation's assets, the Chief Advancement Officer and Chief Executive Officer of UNSW Foundation Ltd ensures sustainable financial support for academic programs. This role involves cultivating high-value relationships to bolster the university's endowment and infrastructure. Lindsay Robinson drives initiatives that translate private investment into tangible societal impact. By aligning donor interests with institutional priorities, the Chief Advancement Officer and Chief Executive Officer of UNSW Foundation Ltd strengthens the university's capacity for innovation. Robinson secures the necessary capital to support long-term growth, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in global education and research discovery.
    Lindsay Robinson

    David Eyre - Chief Executive Officer, UNSW Institute for Industrial Decarbonisation

    David Eyre, the Chief Executive Officer, UNSW Institute for Industrial Decarbonisation at UNSW Sydney, leads the transition toward sustainable industrial practices. Eyre directs research programs focused on carbon reduction and energy efficiency, bridging the gap between academic theory and industrial application. Overseeing the institute's technical operations, the Chief Executive Officer, UNSW Institute for Industrial Decarbonisation coordinates with industry partners to implement scalable decarbonisation solutions. This leadership role involves managing complex projects that address climate challenges on a global scale. David Eyre executes strategies that position the university at the forefront of the green energy transition. By fostering collaboration between scientists and policymakers, the Chief Executive Officer, UNSW Institute for Industrial Decarbonisation drives meaningful change in industrial sectors. Eyre ensures that research outcomes directly contribute to the university's mission of serving society through new discovery and environmental stewardship.

    Sharif Ahmmad - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Sharif Ahmmad, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at UNSW Sydney, initiates and scales specialized research ventures within the university ecosystem. Ahmmad directs the development of new intellectual property and commercialization pathways for academic discoveries. Overseeing the operational lifecycle of these ventures, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures that research outputs reach practical application in the marketplace. This role involves navigating the intersection of academia and industry to maximize the impact of university-led innovation. Sharif Ahmmad executes growth strategies that enhance the university's reputation for entrepreneurial excellence. By managing cross-functional teams, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer drives the successful launch of new initiatives. Ahmmad secures the necessary partnerships to sustain long-term project viability, ensuring that the university remains a hub for cutting-edge discovery and societal advancement through innovative business models.

    Elizabeth Stratford - Chief Financial Officer

    Elizabeth Stratford, the Chief Financial Officer at UNSW Sydney, manages the university's fiscal health and long-term financial planning. Stratford directs budgeting, financial reporting, and investment strategies to ensure the institution has the capital required for academic and research expansion. Overseeing the financial department, the Chief Financial Officer monitors economic performance and risk management across all university divisions. This role involves providing data-driven insights to the board to support informed decision-making regarding infrastructure and faculty investment. Elizabeth Stratford executes financial policies that promote transparency and accountability. By optimizing the university's revenue streams, the Chief Financial Officer strengthens the institution's ability to pursue its mission of global impact. Stratford ensures that financial resources are allocated efficiently, supporting the university's commitment to discovery and societal service while maintaining a robust balance sheet for future generations.

    Linda Vrckovski - Chief Financial Officer, Unsw Press

    Linda Vrckovski, the Chief Financial Officer, Unsw Press at UNSW Sydney, manages the financial operations and commercial viability of the university's publishing arm. Vrckovski directs budgeting, royalty management, and revenue forecasting to ensure the press remains a sustainable platform for academic dissemination. Overseeing the financial health of publishing projects, the Chief Financial Officer, Unsw Press monitors market trends to guide investment in new titles and digital content. This role involves balancing the press's academic mission with the need for commercial success. Linda Vrckovski executes financial strategies that support the wide distribution of research and scholarly work. By maintaining fiscal discipline, the Chief Financial Officer, Unsw Press ensures that the university's publishing efforts continue to contribute to global knowledge sharing. Vrckovski drives the financial success of the press, enabling the institution to reach broader audiences with its impactful research and discovery.

    Nikki McAusland - Chief Operating Officer

    Nikki McAusland, the Chief Operating Officer at UNSW Sydney, directs the internal infrastructure and administrative systems that support the university's daily operations. McAusland oversees campus services, facilities management, and operational logistics to ensure a seamless environment for students and faculty. By implementing process improvements, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the efficiency of university support services. This leadership role involves managing large-scale projects that improve the physical and digital campus experience. Nikki McAusland executes operational strategies that align with the university's broader goals of academic excellence and research innovation. Through careful coordination of support departments, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the institution functions effectively on a global scale. McAusland drives initiatives that reduce operational overhead, allowing the university to focus resources on its core mission of knowledge sharing and societal discovery.

    Helena Mangs - Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer

    Helena Mangs, the Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer at UNSW Sydney, manages the tactical execution of departmental objectives and operational workflows. Mangs directs the integration of administrative functions to support specialized research units and academic programs. Overseeing the daily operations of these units, the Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer ensures that resources are utilized effectively to meet project milestones. This role involves bridging the gap between high-level strategy and ground-level implementation. Helena Mangs executes operational improvements that enhance the productivity of research teams. By fostering a culture of efficiency, the Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer supports the university's mission of impactful discovery. Mangs coordinates with other leaders to ensure that operational support remains consistent across the institution, ultimately driving the success of academic initiatives and contributing to the university's reputation for excellence.

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

    Freddy Sitas, the Chief Operating Officer, International Centre For Future Health Systems at UNSW Sydney, directs the operational framework for global health research initiatives. Sitas manages the logistics of large-scale health studies and international collaborations, ensuring that research teams have the necessary support to conduct complex investigations. Overseeing the center's administrative functions, the Chief Operating Officer, International Centre For Future Health Systems coordinates with global partners to advance health system improvements. This leadership role involves managing the intersection of public health policy and academic research. Freddy Sitas executes strategies that expand the center's reach and impact in international health markets. By optimizing operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer, International Centre For Future Health Systems ensures that research findings are translated into actionable health solutions. Sitas drives the center's mission to improve health outcomes through rigorous scientific discovery and global knowledge sharing.

    Chris Thomson - Managing Director

    Chris Thomson, the Managing Director at UNSW Sydney, oversees the operational execution of key institutional programs and commercial activities. Thomson directs the day-to-day management of business units, ensuring that administrative processes support the university's core academic mission. By optimizing resource allocation and workflow efficiency, the Managing Director maintains high standards of service delivery across the organization. This leadership role involves coordinating with various departments to streamline operations and improve institutional performance. Chris Thomson executes strategic plans that enhance the university's operational agility in a competitive global landscape. Through rigorous monitoring of performance metrics, the Managing Director identifies opportunities for process improvement and cost-effective management. Thomson ensures that all operational activities align with the university's commitment to knowledge sharing and societal impact, ultimately supporting the institution's long-term sustainability and growth objectives.

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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 Lindsay Robinson (Chief Advancement Officer and Chief Executive Officer of UNSW Foundation Ltd) and David Eyre (Chief Executive Officer, UNSW Institute for Industrial Decarbonisation).
    Who is part of UNSW Sydney’s executive team?
    The executive team of UNSW Sydney includes leaders such as Kerry Hudson (Chief Executive Officer), Lindsay Robinson (Chief Advancement Officer and Chief Executive Officer of UNSW Foundation Ltd), David Eyre (Chief Executive Officer, UNSW Institute for Industrial Decarbonisation) 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, Chief Advancement Officer and Chief Executive Officer of UNSW Foundation Ltd, Chief Executive Officer, UNSW Institute for Industrial Decarbonisation, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer.