Western Sydney University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Western Sydney University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, marketing, and academic leadership.

Dedicated to transformative education and research, Western Sydney University fosters an inclusive environment that empowers students and professionals across Australia to achieve excellence through innovative teaching and community-focused engagement.

Leadership Roles at Western Sydney University

  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Anthony Mitri
  • Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of - Kylie Cooke
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Angelo Kourtis
  • President - Rahul Mital
  • [ParaSoc] President - Alexia Zaki
  • Vice-Chancellor and President - George Williams
  • Chief of Staff - Sharmaine Gewohn
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Andrew Younis
  • Chief Medical Officer - Mark Arnold
  • Interim Chief People Officer - Troy Cardoso-Vigors
  • Anthony Mitri - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Anthony Mitri, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Western Sydney University, directs high-level administrative functions to ensure institutional efficiency. Mitri oversees the alignment of internal resources with the broader academic mission, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration to support research initiatives. By managing complex organizational workflows, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer optimizes service delivery for both local and international student cohorts. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of operational performance metrics to maintain the university's global standing. Anthony Mitri actively engages with the Board to refine long-term growth strategies, ensuring that administrative processes remain agile in a competitive education landscape. Through rigorous oversight of institutional infrastructure, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary support systems for faculty and staff. Mitri drives initiatives that enhance the overall student experience, reinforcing the commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive educational environment across all campuses.

    Kylie Cooke - Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of

    Kylie Cooke, the Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of at Western Sydney University, manages the logistical frameworks that support daily campus activities. Cooke oversees the integration of operational services, ensuring that facilities and support systems meet the needs of a growing student body. By refining internal processes, the Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of enhances the efficiency of administrative functions across the institution. Kylie Cooke coordinates with various departments to implement scalable solutions that facilitate research and teaching excellence. This role involves monitoring resource allocation to ensure that the university maintains a high standard of service delivery. Through the optimization of operational workflows, the Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of supports the university's commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive environment. Cooke drives continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring that the physical and digital infrastructure remains aligned with the long-term strategic goals of the university.

    Angelo Kourtis - Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Angelo Kourtis, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Western Sydney University, directs the overarching operational strategy to ensure institutional sustainability. Kourtis oversees the management of large-scale campus operations, focusing on the delivery of high-quality support services for students and staff. By architecting robust administrative systems, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer enables the university to scale its research and teaching capabilities effectively. Angelo Kourtis collaborates with the executive team to align operational capacity with the university's mission of shaping the future. This leadership role involves managing complex financial and human resource structures to maintain institutional excellence. Through the implementation of strategic operational policies, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer drives efficiency across all university functions. Kourtis ensures that the institution remains responsive to the needs of Indigenous communities and professionals, reinforcing the university's role as a leader in community engagement and educational innovation.
    Angelo Kourtis

    Rahul Mital - President

    Rahul Mital, the President at Western Sydney University, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the institution. Mital oversees the execution of the university's mission to transform lives through research and innovative teaching. By engaging with external stakeholders and government bodies, the President secures the resources necessary to maintain the university's status as a top-tier global institution. Rahul Mital leads the executive team in setting long-term goals that prioritize community engagement and student success. This leadership role involves balancing the needs of diverse student groups, including Indigenous communities and professionals, with the university's commitment to academic excellence. Through the promotion of a culture of innovation, the President drives the university's growth and influence. Mital ensures that all institutional activities remain aligned with the core values of inclusivity and support, positioning the university as a vital contributor to the future of education and research.

    Alexia Zaki - [ParaSoc] President

    Alexia Zaki, the [ParaSoc] President at Western Sydney University, leads the student-focused initiatives that enhance community engagement and campus life. Zaki oversees the development of programs that support student advocacy and professional networking, ensuring that the student experience remains inclusive and supportive. By facilitating collaboration between student groups and the university administration, the [ParaSoc] President amplifies the student voice in institutional decision-making. Alexia Zaki coordinates events and initiatives that promote the university's mission of shaping the future through active participation. This leadership role involves managing resources to provide meaningful opportunities for student growth and development. Through the promotion of a vibrant campus culture, the [ParaSoc] President drives community involvement and strengthens the connection between students and the university's broader goals. Zaki ensures that all student-led activities align with the university's commitment to providing a supportive educational environment for all members of the community.

    George Williams - Vice-Chancellor and President

    George Williams, the Vice-Chancellor and President at Western Sydney University, directs the comprehensive academic and administrative strategy of the institution. Williams oversees the university's global research agenda and ensures that teaching programs remain at the cutting edge of innovation. By engaging with international partners and local communities, the Vice-Chancellor and President expands the university's reach and impact. George Williams leads the executive team in maintaining the university's position among the top 250 institutions globally. This leadership role involves setting the strategic vision for future growth, focusing on inclusivity and the transformation of lives through education. Through the oversight of all academic and operational functions, the Vice-Chancellor and President drives the university's commitment to excellence. Williams ensures that the institution remains a leader in providing high-quality degree programs and research, ultimately shaping the future of education for students and professionals across the region.
    George Williams

    Sharmaine Gewohn - Chief of Staff

    Sharmaine Gewohn, the Chief of Staff at Western Sydney University, coordinates executive communications and manages the strategic priorities of the leadership team. Gewohn facilitates seamless interaction between the office of the President and various academic departments, ensuring that institutional goals receive consistent focus. By streamlining decision-making processes, the Chief of Staff enables rapid response to emerging challenges within the higher education sector. Sharmaine Gewohn monitors the execution of key projects, providing the necessary oversight to keep initiatives on schedule and within scope. This role requires deep integration with university stakeholders to maintain alignment with the core mission of shaping future leaders. Through the management of high-level administrative functions, the Chief of Staff supports the university's commitment to impactful research and innovative teaching. Gewohn maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the executive office functions as a catalyst for institutional progress and community engagement.

    Andrew Younis - Chief Marketing Officer

    Andrew Younis, the Chief Marketing Officer at Western Sydney University, architects the brand strategy to attract diverse student populations and research partners. Younis oversees global recruitment campaigns, ensuring that the university's reputation for excellence reaches key markets across Australia and beyond. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes digital engagement strategies to connect with prospective students and professionals seeking workplace skilling. Andrew Younis collaborates with academic leaders to highlight the impact of research and the value of degree programs. This leadership role involves managing the university's public profile and community outreach efforts to strengthen institutional ties. Through the development of targeted communication channels, the Chief Marketing Officer drives enrollment growth and enhances the visibility of the university's inclusive educational offerings. Younis ensures that all marketing initiatives reflect the core values of innovation and community support, ultimately positioning the institution as a top-tier global university.

    Mark Arnold - Chief Medical Officer

    Mark Arnold, the Chief Medical Officer at Western Sydney University, leads the health-related research and clinical training initiatives that define the university's medical programs. Arnold oversees the integration of medical education with practical clinical applications, ensuring that students receive industry-relevant training. By fostering partnerships with healthcare providers, the Chief Medical Officer expands the university's impact on community health outcomes. Mark Arnold coordinates with academic faculty to advance research in critical medical fields, supporting the university's goal of shaping the future of healthcare. This leadership role involves maintaining high standards of clinical practice and ensuring that medical programs remain at the forefront of innovation. Through the development of specialized training pathways, the Chief Medical Officer supports the professional growth of students and practitioners. Arnold drives initiatives that bridge the gap between academic research and real-world medical application, reinforcing the university's commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive health education.

    Troy Cardoso-Vigors - Interim Chief People Officer

    Troy Cardoso-Vigors, the Interim Chief People Officer at Western Sydney University, manages the human capital strategy to ensure a high-performing and inclusive workforce. Cardoso-Vigors oversees talent acquisition, professional development, and employee engagement initiatives that support the university's academic mission. By architecting equitable workplace policies, the Interim Chief People Officer fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration among faculty and staff. Troy Cardoso-Vigors coordinates with department heads to align staffing needs with the university's strategic growth objectives. This leadership role involves implementing support services that enhance the well-being of the entire university community. Through the development of robust human resource frameworks, the Interim Chief People Officer drives organizational efficiency and employee retention. Cardoso-Vigors ensures that the university remains an employer of choice, attracting top talent to contribute to the institution's commitment to impactful research and teaching excellence across all regional operations.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Western Sydney University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Western Sydney University?
    Western Sydney University is led by Anthony Mitri (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Kylie Cooke (Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of) and Angelo Kourtis (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Western Sydney University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Western Sydney University includes leaders such as Anthony Mitri (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), Kylie Cooke (Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of), Angelo Kourtis (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Western Sydney University have?
    Western Sydney University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Western Sydney University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Western Sydney University includes roles such as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, President, [ParaSoc] President.