Western Sydney University Executive and Leadership Team

Kylie Cooke, the Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of at Western Sydney University, architects the internal frameworks that sustain academic and research productivity. Overseeing operational infrastructure, the Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of ensures that university resources align with the strategic objectives of the institution. This role involves managing complex logistical requirements for diverse degree programs and research facilities. By optimizing service delivery, Cooke supports the university's mission to provide a high-quality educational experience for local and international students. The Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Office of collaborates with senior leadership to implement policies that enhance institutional efficiency and community support. Through rigorous oversight of operational systems, Cooke drives the university's capacity to innovate and adapt to changing market demands. This leadership position directly impacts the university's ability to maintain its top 250 global ranking by ensuring that all administrative and operational functions operate at peak performance levels.

Angelo Kourtis, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Western Sydney University, executes large-scale institutional strategies to enhance operational performance. Overseeing the university's physical and digital infrastructure, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ensures that all campus operations support the institution's research and teaching mission. This role involves managing significant capital investments and service delivery models that cater to a diverse student body. By driving efficiency across administrative units, Kourtis enables the university to expand its reach and impact within the Australian education sector. The Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer collaborates with the Board and executive leadership to align operational capacity with long-term growth targets. Through strategic resource management, Kourtis fosters an environment conducive to academic success and community engagement. This leadership role remains vital for maintaining the university's competitive position, ensuring that all operational facets contribute to the overarching goal of shaping the future through innovation.

George Williams, the Vice-Chancellor and President at Western Sydney University, architects the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Overseeing the university's global academic standing, the Vice-Chancellor and President ensures that research and teaching initiatives align with the goal of shaping the future. This role involves engaging with government, industry, and community stakeholders to advance the university's mission of transformative education. By setting institutional priorities, Williams drives the university's commitment to inclusivity and excellence across all degree programs. The Vice-Chancellor and President leads the executive team in navigating the complexities of the global higher education market, ensuring the university remains within the top 250 institutions worldwide. Through visionary leadership, Williams fosters a culture of innovation that empowers students and researchers to achieve significant societal impact. This leadership position serves as the primary catalyst for the university's growth, ensuring that all strategic efforts support the long-term success of the institution and its diverse community.

Alexia Zaki, the [ParaSoc] President at Western Sydney University, directs student-led initiatives that enhance the campus experience for specialized academic groups. Overseeing organizational activities and member engagement, the [ParaSoc] President ensures that the society provides valuable support services and professional networking opportunities. This role involves coordinating events that align with the university's broader mission of community engagement and student success. By fostering an inclusive environment, Zaki supports the development of professional skills among the student body. The [ParaSoc] President collaborates with university administration to ensure that student initiatives receive the necessary resources to thrive. Through active leadership, Zaki drives participation in academic and social programs that enrich the university experience. This role is essential for maintaining a vibrant campus culture, as the [ParaSoc] President works to connect students with industry professionals and research opportunities. Ultimately, Zaki contributes to the university's goal of providing a supportive educational environment that prepares students for future career success.

Rahul Mital, the President at Western Sydney University, leads specific organizational units focused on enhancing student advocacy and institutional representation. Overseeing the strategic direction of these units, the President ensures that student interests remain central to the university's operational decisions. This role involves managing relationships with various campus stakeholders to promote an inclusive and supportive educational environment. By driving initiatives that support student welfare and academic achievement, Mital contributes to the university's mission of transforming lives. The President coordinates with other leadership members to align student-focused programs with the university's broader research and teaching goals. Through effective communication and advocacy, Mital ensures that the student voice influences institutional policy. This leadership function is critical for maintaining the university's reputation as a student-centered institution. By fostering a collaborative atmosphere, Mital supports the university's commitment to providing high-quality degree programs and professional development opportunities for all students, regardless of their background or academic focus.

Harrison Neal, the President, Western Sydney Skating Society (Skso) at Western Sydney University, directs the operations and community outreach efforts of this specialized student organization. Overseeing the society's events and member engagement, the President, Western Sydney Skating Society (Skso) ensures that the group provides a platform for physical activity and social connection within the university community. This role involves managing the society's resources to promote an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. By fostering a sense of belonging, Neal contributes to the university's mission of community engagement and student well-being. The President, Western Sydney Skating Society (Skso) collaborates with university administration to ensure that student-led activities align with institutional values. Through active leadership, Neal drives participation in recreational programs that complement the academic experience. This role is essential for maintaining a balanced campus life, as the President, Western Sydney Skating Society (Skso) works to provide diverse opportunities for students to engage with the university beyond the classroom.

Andrew Younis, the Chief Marketing Officer at Western Sydney University, directs all brand positioning and student recruitment strategies. Overseeing digital engagement and market outreach, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures the institution maintains a competitive edge within the global higher education landscape. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that highlight research impact and innovative teaching methodologies to attract international and domestic cohorts. By analyzing market trends and student demographics, Younis optimizes communication channels to increase enrollment and institutional visibility. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with academic departments to align promotional efforts with the university's core mission of transforming lives. Through data-driven campaigns, Younis strengthens the university's reputation as a top-tier Australian institution. This strategic focus on brand equity supports long-term growth and community connection, ensuring the university remains a preferred destination for diverse learners seeking high-quality degree programs and professional development opportunities.

Sharmaine Gewohn, the Chief of Staff at Western Sydney University, manages executive workflows and facilitates cross-departmental communication. Overseeing administrative efficiency, the Chief of Staff ensures the leadership team remains focused on strategic priorities and institutional goals. This role involves coordinating complex projects that span research, teaching, and community engagement initiatives. By streamlining internal processes, Gewohn supports the university's commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive educational environment. The Chief of Staff acts as a primary liaison between the executive office and various stakeholders, including Indigenous communities and professional partners. Through meticulous planning and resource allocation, Gewohn drives operational excellence across the institution. This leadership function requires constant alignment with the university's broader mission to shape the future through impactful research. Ultimately, Gewohn secures the organizational stability necessary for the university to maintain its status as a leading global institution while delivering high-quality support services to students.

Mark Arnold, the Chief Medical Officer at Western Sydney University, directs the clinical and health-related research initiatives that define the institution's medical education programs. Overseeing health partnerships and clinical training standards, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that the university's medical curriculum remains at the forefront of industry innovation. This role involves bridging the gap between academic research and practical healthcare applications to benefit local communities and professional practitioners. By fostering collaborations with healthcare providers, Arnold supports the university's commitment to impactful research and community health outcomes. The Chief Medical Officer coordinates with faculty to integrate evidence-based practices into degree programs, preparing students for the evolving demands of the medical field. Through this leadership, Arnold drives the university's reputation for excellence in health sciences. This strategic focus on medical education and research ensures that the institution continues to transform lives by producing skilled professionals capable of addressing complex health challenges in the region and beyond.

Troy Cardoso-Vigors, the Interim Chief People Officer at Western Sydney University, directs human resources strategy and organizational development. Overseeing talent acquisition, staff training, and workplace culture, the Interim Chief People Officer ensures that the university attracts and retains the high-caliber professionals necessary for academic excellence. This role involves implementing policies that promote inclusivity and support the well-being of the entire workforce. By aligning human capital with the university's strategic goals, Cardoso-Vigors drives operational efficiency and institutional growth. The Interim Chief People Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to foster a collaborative environment that supports the university's mission of impactful research and innovative teaching. Through effective management of personnel resources, Cardoso-Vigors ensures that the university remains a top employer in the education sector. This leadership position is vital for maintaining the organizational health required to deliver high-quality degree programs and support services to a diverse student population across all campuses.