York University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

York University has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, revenue, information technology, strategy, sustainability, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, York University fosters interdisciplinary research and teaching, shaping future leaders and contributing to societal advancement through innovative educational approaches.

Leadership Roles at York University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Hailey Chan
  • President - Melda Demirkiran
  • Chair, President's Sustainability Council - Ravi de Costa
  • Founder & Co-President - Muhammad Bhinder
  • President - Nneamaka Iheanacho
  • Founder & Co-President - Nicole Singh
  • President - Parini Pande
  • President's Ambassador - Inis Tagbor
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Aleeya Irshad
  • Administrative Coordinator & Chief Information Officer, Office of - Ronald Kwok
  • Hailey Chan - Chief Financial Officer

    Hailey Chan, the Chief Financial Officer at York University, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Chan manages the university's budget, financial planning, and resource allocation, ensuring fiscal responsibility across all departments. This leadership role involves optimizing financial performance and supporting the institution's long-term growth objectives. By overseeing investment strategies and financial reporting, Hailey Chan ensures transparency and accountability in all monetary matters, directly contributing to the university's stability and operational capacity. Chan's oversight extends to managing financial risks and identifying opportunities for enhanced revenue streams, aligning financial activities with York University's overarching mission of interdisciplinary research and teaching.

    Melda Demirkiran - President

    Melda Demirkiran, the President at York University, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Demirkiran guides the university's mission of interdisciplinary research and teaching, fostering an environment of academic excellence and innovation. This paramount role involves overseeing all academic and administrative functions, ensuring alignment with the university's long-term vision and societal impact goals. By championing key initiatives and fostering collaboration among faculty and staff, Melda Demirkiran drives the university's growth and reputation. Demirkiran's leadership is instrumental in advancing York University's commitment to creating a dynamic and inclusive learning community.

    Ravi de Costa - Chair, President's Sustainability Council

    Ravi de Costa, the Chair, President's Sustainability Council at York University, leads strategic initiatives focused on environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. De Costa guides the council in developing and implementing policies that promote ecological responsibility across campus operations and academic programs. This influential position involves fostering a culture of sustainability and integrating green principles into the university's core functions. By advocating for innovative solutions and engaging the university community, Ravi de Costa advances York University's commitment to environmental leadership. De Costa's efforts ensure that the institution operates with a strong focus on long-term ecological well-being and social responsibility.
    Ravi de Costa

    Muhammad Bhinder - Founder & Co-President

    Muhammad Bhinder, the Founder & Co-President at York University, provides foundational leadership and strategic vision for key initiatives. Bhinder drives the establishment and growth of new programs and partnerships, focusing on innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. This entrepreneurial role involves shaping the direction of emerging projects and ensuring their alignment with the university's broader objectives. By fostering a dynamic and forward-thinking environment, Muhammad Bhinder contributes significantly to York University's evolving landscape. Bhinder's commitment to founding principles supports the institution's mission of advancing knowledge and preparing students for future challenges.

    Nneamaka Iheanacho - President

    Nneamaka Iheanacho, the President at York University, directs comprehensive institutional strategies and operational oversight. Iheanacho champions academic excellence and fosters an environment conducive to groundbreaking research and innovative teaching methodologies. This executive position involves guiding faculty development, student success initiatives, and campus-wide advancements. By ensuring robust administrative support and strategic resource allocation, Nneamaka Iheanacho strengthens York University's capacity to achieve its educational and research goals. Iheanacho's leadership cultivates a vibrant academic community dedicated to knowledge creation and dissemination.

    Nicole Singh - Founder & Co-President

    Nicole Singh, the Founder & Co-President at York University, contributes essential leadership in establishing and advancing strategic institutional priorities. Singh collaborates on developing innovative programs and fostering interdisciplinary connections that enhance the university's academic offerings. This founding role focuses on building robust frameworks for growth and ensuring the successful implementation of new ventures. By driving collaborative efforts and championing a vision for progress, Nicole Singh plays a vital part in York University's development. Singh's dedication to foundational principles supports the institution's commitment to excellence in education and research.

    Parini Pande - President

    Parini Pande, the President at York University, provides overarching leadership and strategic guidance for the institution's academic and operational endeavors. Pande oversees the execution of university-wide policies and fosters an environment that promotes cutting-edge research and comprehensive student development. This senior role involves ensuring the effective management of resources and the advancement of the university's mission. By championing initiatives that enhance academic quality and institutional reputation, Parini Pande drives York University's commitment to educational innovation. Pande's leadership cultivates a thriving academic ecosystem focused on knowledge creation and societal contribution.

    Inis Tagbor - President's Ambassador

    Inis Tagbor, the President's Ambassador at York University, serves as a key liaison and advocate for presidential initiatives. Tagbor supports the implementation of strategic projects and enhances communication between the president's office and various university stakeholders. This role involves representing the president's vision and fostering engagement across academic and administrative departments. By facilitating collaboration and promoting key institutional goals, Inis Tagbor contributes to the effective execution of university strategies. Tagbor's efforts strengthen the connection between leadership directives and the broader university community, supporting York University's mission.

    Aleeya Irshad - Chief Revenue Officer

    Aleeya Irshad, the Chief Revenue Officer at York University, spearheads initiatives to maximize institutional revenue streams. Irshad develops and executes strategies for enrollment growth, program expansion, and ancillary services, directly impacting the university's financial health. This executive role involves identifying new market opportunities and enhancing existing revenue-generating activities. By fostering partnerships and optimizing marketing efforts, Aleeya Irshad drives financial sustainability and supports the expansion of academic programs. Irshad's focus on revenue generation ensures that York University can continue to invest in research, faculty development, and student resources, reinforcing its position as a leading interdisciplinary institution.

    Ronald Kwok - Administrative Coordinator & Chief Information Officer, Office of

    Ronald Kwok, the Administrative Coordinator & Chief Information Officer, Office of at York University, oversees the strategic direction of information technology and administrative functions. Kwok directs the implementation of advanced technological solutions to support research, teaching, and administrative operations, ensuring seamless digital integration across the university. This critical role involves managing IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data management systems. By championing digital transformation initiatives, Ronald Kwok enhances operational efficiency and supports the university's interdisciplinary research endeavors. Kwok's leadership ensures that York University remains at the forefront of technological innovation, providing robust support for its academic community and administrative needs.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding York University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads York University?
    York University is led by Hailey Chan (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Melda Demirkiran (President) and Ravi de Costa (Chair, President's Sustainability Council).
    Who is part of York University’s executive team?
    The executive team of York University includes leaders such as Hailey Chan (Chief Financial Officer), Melda Demirkiran (President), Ravi de Costa (Chair, President's Sustainability Council) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does York University have?
    York University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in York University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of York University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, Chair, President's Sustainability Council, Founder & Co-President, President.