UNSW Sydney Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

UNSW Sydney has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and academic governance.

Driven by a commitment to societal contribution, UNSW Sydney advances global impact through knowledge dissemination and pioneering discovery, shaping futures worldwide.

Leadership Roles at UNSW Sydney

  • Chief Executive Officer - Shelley Valentine
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Sharif Ahmmad
  • Conjoint Professional and Ofc, Centre Excellence International Finance and Regulation Cifr Chief Executive Officer - Ros Grady
  • Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer - Helena Mangs
  • Inter-Residence Council President - Irina Wong
  • Deputy President, Academic Board - Shirley Scott
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Tanya Freeman
  • Director, Flight Operations and Deputy Head, School, Flying - Malcolm Good
  • 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 drives initiatives focused on enhancing global impact and knowledge dissemination, aligning all departments with the university's core mission. This leadership role involves fostering innovation across academic and research endeavors, ensuring UNSW Sydney remains at the forefront of discovery. Valentine's strategic direction supports the university's commitment to serving society through advanced learning and groundbreaking research. The Chief Executive Officer's purview encompasses the development and implementation of long-term institutional goals, guiding UNSW Sydney's expansion and influence in the global education landscape. Shelley Valentine ensures robust governance structures are in place to support sustainable growth and academic excellence.

    Sharif Ahmmad - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Sharif Ahmmad, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at UNSW Sydney, established the foundational principles and strategic direction for the university. Ahmmad's role centers on pioneering new avenues for knowledge sharing and discovery, directly embodying UNSW Sydney's commitment to societal impact. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer oversees the cultivation of an environment that encourages groundbreaking research and innovative educational practices. Ahmmad's vision guides the institution's efforts to serve a global community through intellectual advancement. This leadership position involves shaping the university's long-term trajectory and ensuring its continued relevance in a rapidly evolving academic world. Sharif Ahmmad's foundational work continues to influence the strategic priorities and operational frameworks of UNSW Sydney.

    Ros Grady - Conjoint Professional and Ofc, Centre Excellence International Finance and Regulation Cifr Chief Executive Officer

    Ros Grady, the Conjoint Professional and Ofc, Centre Excellence International Finance and Regulation Cifr Chief Executive Officer at UNSW Sydney, leads critical initiatives within international finance and regulation. Grady's expertise drives the Centre of Excellence's agenda, focusing on advanced research and knowledge sharing in these specialized fields. This executive role involves fostering collaboration between academic pursuits and practical application in global financial markets. The Conjoint Professional and Ofc, Centre Excellence International Finance and Regulation Cifr Chief Executive Officer ensures that UNSW Sydney's contributions to international finance and regulation are impactful and relevant. Ros Grady's leadership supports the university's mission by advancing discovery and serving society through specialized expertise in complex regulatory environments.

    Helena Mangs - Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer

    Helena Mangs, the Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer at UNSW Sydney, manages the day-to-day operational functions and supports the strategic execution of university-wide initiatives. Mangs oversees critical administrative and logistical operations, ensuring seamless support for academic and research activities. This leadership position is vital for optimizing resource allocation and enhancing institutional efficiency, directly contributing to UNSW Sydney's mission of knowledge sharing and discovery. The Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer ensures that all operational frameworks align with the university's commitment to societal impact. Helena Mangs's responsibilities include driving operational excellence and fostering a productive environment that supports the advancement of learning and innovation across the institution.

    Irina Wong - Inter-Residence Council President

    Irina Wong, the Inter-Residence Council President at UNSW Sydney, represents the collective interests of students residing in university accommodations. Wong leads initiatives focused on enhancing the student living experience, fostering a sense of community, and advocating for resident needs. This role involves coordinating communication between students and university administration regarding residential matters. The Inter-Residence Council President ensures that student feedback informs improvements in campus living environments, supporting the broader university mission of providing a conducive atmosphere for learning and discovery. Irina Wong's leadership contributes to the holistic development of students by promoting engagement and well-being within the residential community.

    Shirley Scott - Deputy President, Academic Board

    Shirley Scott, the Deputy President, Academic Board at UNSW Sydney, supports the President in overseeing academic governance and policy development for the university. Scott plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and integrity of academic programs, contributing to UNSW Sydney's commitment to knowledge sharing and discovery. This position involves facilitating board meetings and ensuring that academic standards align with the institution's mission and societal impact goals. The Deputy President, Academic Board provides essential leadership in maintaining rigorous academic oversight and fostering an environment of continuous improvement. Shirley Scott's contributions are vital to upholding the academic excellence and strategic direction of UNSW Sydney.

    Tanya Freeman - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Tanya Freeman, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at UNSW Sydney, supports the strategic direction and operational management of the university's information technology infrastructure. Freeman collaborates with the Chief Information Officer to ensure robust digital systems that facilitate knowledge sharing and discovery across all faculties. This role involves overseeing the implementation of technological solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support the university's mission of societal impact. The Deputy Chief Information Officer plays a crucial part in maintaining the integrity and advancement of UNSW Sydney's IT resources, enabling cutting-edge research and accessible education. Tanya Freeman's efforts contribute directly to the university's capacity to innovate and serve its global community through advanced technological capabilities.

    Malcolm Good - Director, Flight Operations and Deputy Head, School, Flying

    Malcolm Good, the Director, Flight Operations and Deputy Head, School, Flying at UNSW Sydney, oversees the comprehensive management of flight operations and contributes to the academic leadership of the aviation school. Good ensures the highest standards of safety and efficiency in all flight-related activities, directly supporting the practical training components of the university's aviation programs. This dual role involves guiding operational protocols and contributing to the strategic development of the School of Flying. The Director, Flight Operations and Deputy Head, School, Flying plays a key part in advancing discovery within aviation through hands-on experience and expert instruction. Malcolm Good's leadership enhances UNSW Sydney's reputation for excellence in aviation education and operational integrity.

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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 Ros Grady (Conjoint Professional and Ofc, Centre Excellence International Finance and Regulation Cifr Chief Executive Officer).
    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), Ros Grady (Conjoint Professional and Ofc, Centre Excellence International Finance and Regulation Cifr Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does UNSW Sydney have?
    UNSW Sydney has 8 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, Conjoint Professional and Ofc, Centre Excellence International Finance and Regulation Cifr Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer, Inter-Residence Council President.