50 Higher Ed Leaders at Australian Business Schools

If you are looking for higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools, this list is a practical starting point. It brings together current deans, heads of school and senior academic leaders whose universities publish clear role information on their own sites.

The list is designed for people who care about university leadership, business education, industry partnerships and the future of work. Check each official source before using a name in a public message, because leadership roles can change.

1. Paul Andon

Dean, UNSW Business School

Paul Andon is Dean at UNSW Business School. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current faculty leadership page lists him as Dean; a 2026 appointment article describes his programme and curriculum leadership. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Paul Andon: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

2. Karin Sanders

Senior Deputy Dean, Research & Enterprise, UNSW Business School

Karin Sanders is Senior Deputy Dean, Research & Enterprise at UNSW Business School. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current faculty leadership page lists her as Senior Deputy Dean, Research & Enterprise. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Karin Sanders: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

3. Leisa Sargent

Dean, University of Sydney Business School

Leisa Sargent is Dean at University of Sydney Business School. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current people page lists her as Dean of the Business School. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Leisa Sargent: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

4. Lemuria Carter

Deputy Dean Academic, University of Sydney Business School

Lemuria Carter is Deputy Dean Academic at University of Sydney Business School. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current people page lists her as Deputy Dean Academic. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Lemuria Carter: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

5. Simon Wilkie

Dean and Head, Monash Business School

Simon Wilkie is Dean and Head at Monash Business School. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current leadership page lists him as Dean and Head of Monash Business School. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Simon Wilkie: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

6. Kerryn Chalmers

Acting Senior Deputy Dean, Faculty Operations, Monash Business School

Kerryn Chalmers is Acting Senior Deputy Dean, Faculty Operations at Monash Business School. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current leadership page lists her as Acting Senior Deputy Dean, Faculty Operations. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Kerryn Chalmers: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

7. Jenny George

Dean and Director, Melbourne Business School

Jenny George is Dean and Director at Melbourne Business School. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

The 2025 impact report and current 2026 event page identify her as Dean and Director. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Jenny George: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

8. Ujwal Kayande

Director, Institute for Digital Innovation & AI, Melbourne Business School

Ujwal Kayande is Director, Institute for Digital Innovation & AI at Melbourne Business School. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current faculty profile identifies him as the inaugural director of the Institute for Digital Innovation & AI. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Ujwal Kayande: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

9. Sara Denize

Dean, UTS Business School

Sara Denize is Dean at UTS Business School. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current dean page and June 2026 appointment article identify her as Dean. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Sara Denize: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

10. Katie Schlenker

Associate Dean, Education and Students, UTS Business School

Katie Schlenker is Associate Dean, Education and Students at UTS Business School. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current faculty management page lists her role. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Katie Schlenker: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

11. Sharon Christensen

Executive Dean, QUT Faculty of Business and Law

Sharon Christensen is Executive Dean at QUT Faculty of Business and Law. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current faculty leadership page lists her as Executive Dean. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Sharon Christensen: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

12. Kevin Desouza

Head, Graduate School of Business, QUT Faculty of Business and Law

Kevin Desouza is Head, Graduate School of Business at QUT Faculty of Business and Law. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current faculty leadership page lists him as Head of the Graduate School of Business. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Kevin Desouza: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

13. Brent Ritchie

Head of School, UQ Business School

Brent Ritchie is Head of School at UQ Business School. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

The current 2025 impact report lists him as Head of School. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Brent Ritchie: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

14. Shaun Bond

Deputy Head of School, UQ Business School

Shaun Bond is Deputy Head of School at UQ Business School. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

The current 2025 impact report lists him as a Deputy Head of School. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Shaun Bond: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

15. Leonie Tickle

Executive Dean, Macquarie Business School

Leonie Tickle is Executive Dean at Macquarie Business School. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current executive dean page and appointment article identify her as Executive Dean. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Leonie Tickle: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

16. Yvonne Breyer

Deputy Dean, Education and Employability, Macquarie Business School

Yvonne Breyer is Deputy Dean, Education and Employability at Macquarie Business School. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current executive profile identifies her as Deputy Dean, Education and Employability. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Yvonne Breyer: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

17. Jenni Lightowlers

Executive Dean, Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin University

Jenni Lightowlers is Executive Dean, Faculty of Business and Law at Deakin University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current faculty people page lists her as Executive Dean. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Jenni Lightowlers: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

18. Amanda Pyman

Dean, Deakin Business School, Deakin University

Amanda Pyman is Dean, Deakin Business School at Deakin University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current Business School people page identifies her as Dean. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Amanda Pyman: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

19. Caitlin Byrne

Pro Vice Chancellor, Griffith Business School, Griffith University

Caitlin Byrne is Pro Vice Chancellor, Griffith Business School at Griffith University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current school page lists her as Pro Vice Chancellor. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Caitlin Byrne: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

20. Martin Berka

Dean Academic, Griffith Business School, Griffith University

Martin Berka is Dean Academic, Griffith Business School at Griffith University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current school page lists him as Dean Academic. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Martin Berka: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

21. Emma Sherry

Dean, School of Management, RMIT University

Emma Sherry is Dean, School of Management at RMIT University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current school people page lists her as Dean. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Emma Sherry: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

22. Cameron Duff

Deputy Dean, Research & Innovation, RMIT University

Cameron Duff is Deputy Dean, Research & Innovation at RMIT University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current school people page lists him as Deputy Dean, Research & Innovation. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Cameron Duff: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

23. Peter Robertson

Dean, UWA Business School, The University of Western Australia

Peter Robertson is Dean, UWA Business School at The University of Western Australia. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current UWA Business School page identifies him as Dean and Head of School. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Peter Robertson: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

24. Julie Lee

Associate Dean of Research, The University of Western Australia

Julie Lee is Associate Dean of Research at The University of Western Australia. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current UWA profile identifies her as Associate Dean of Research. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Julie Lee: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

25. Rebecca Dolan

Dean International and Engagement, Business and Law, Adelaide University

Rebecca Dolan is Dean International and Engagement, Business and Law at Adelaide University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current Adelaide University researcher search identifies her as Dean International and Engagement in the College of Business and Law. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Rebecca Dolan: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

26. Peter Burdon

Dean Academic, Business and Law, Adelaide University

Peter Burdon is Dean Academic, Business and Law at Adelaide University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current Adelaide University researcher profile identifies him as Dean Academic. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Peter Burdon: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

27. Colin Higgins

Dean, La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University

Colin Higgins is Dean, La Trobe Business School at La Trobe University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

La Trobe's 2026 appointment article says he commenced as Dean on 1 July 2026. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Colin Higgins: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

28. Sophia Duan

Associate Dean, Research and Industry Engagement, La Trobe University

Sophia Duan is Associate Dean, Research and Industry Engagement at La Trobe University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

A current 2026 profile identifies her as Associate Dean, Research and Industry Engagement. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Sophia Duan: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

29. Andrew Beer

Executive Dean, UniSA Business, University of South Australia

Andrew Beer is Executive Dean, UniSA Business at University of South Australia. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current accessible UniSA Business people page identifies him as Executive Dean. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Andrew Beer: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

30. Nancy Arthur

Dean of Research, UniSA Business, University of South Australia

Nancy Arthur is Dean of Research, UniSA Business at University of South Australia. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current accessible UniSA Business people page identifies her as Dean of Research. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Nancy Arthur: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

31. Nigel de Bussy

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty Business and Law and Dean, Curtin Business School, Curtin University

Nigel de Bussy is Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty Business and Law and Dean, Curtin Business School at Curtin University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current Curtin page identifies him as faculty PVC and Dean. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Nigel de Bussy: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

32. Sonia Dickinson-Delaporte

Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Interim Faculty Business and Law, Curtin University

Sonia Dickinson-Delaporte is Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Interim Faculty Business and Law at Curtin University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current Curtin page identifies her as Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Sonia Dickinson-Delaporte: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

33. Brent Jackson

Head of School, Canberra Business School, University of Canberra

Brent Jackson is Head of School, Canberra Business School at University of Canberra. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current school page updated in June 2026 identifies him as Head of School. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Brent Jackson: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

34. Rebekah Russell-Bennett

Associate Dean Research, University of Canberra

Rebekah Russell-Bennett is Associate Dean Research at University of Canberra. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current people page identifies her as Associate Dean Research. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Rebekah Russell-Bennett: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

35. James Skinner

Dean and Head, Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle

James Skinner is Dean and Head, Newcastle Business School at University of Newcastle. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current profile identifies him as Dean and Head of School. That gives readers a practical reason to follow James Skinner: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

36. Jamie Carlson

Deputy Head of School, Research, University of Newcastle

Jamie Carlson is Deputy Head of School, Research at University of Newcastle. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current school leadership material identifies him as a Deputy Head of School for Research. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Jamie Carlson: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

37. Mark Bowles

Dean and Head of School, University of Tasmania Business and Economics

Mark Bowles is Dean and Head of School at University of Tasmania Business and Economics. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current academic structure page identifies him as Dean and Head of School. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Mark Bowles: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

38. Louise Grimmer

Associate Head, Industry Engagement and Impact, University of Tasmania Business and Economics

Louise Grimmer is Associate Head, Industry Engagement and Impact at University of Tasmania Business and Economics. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current academic structure page identifies her as Associate Head. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Louise Grimmer: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

39. Robin Gauld

Executive Dean, Bond Business School, Bond University

Robin Gauld is Executive Dean, Bond Business School at Bond University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current university executive page identifies him as Executive Dean. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Robin Gauld: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

40. Makarand Parulkar

Faculty Business Director, Bond Business School

Makarand Parulkar is Faculty Business Director at Bond Business School. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current school page identifies him as Faculty Business Director. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Makarand Parulkar: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

41. Jamie Fellows

Acting Dean, College of Business, Law and Governance, James Cook University

Jamie Fellows is Acting Dean, College of Business, Law and Governance at James Cook University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current academics page identifies him as acting Dean. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Jamie Fellows: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

42. Jacob Wood

Associate Dean of Research, JCU Singapore, James Cook University

Jacob Wood is Associate Dean of Research, JCU Singapore at James Cook University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current academics page identifies him as Associate Dean of Research at JCU Singapore and Associate Professor of International Business. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Jacob Wood: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

43. Michael Gilding

Vice-President and Executive Dean, Flinders University College of Business, Government and Law

Michael Gilding is Vice-President and Executive Dean at Flinders University College of Business, Government and Law. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current college page identifies him as Vice-President and Executive Dean. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Michael Gilding: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

44. Angie Abdel Shafei

Dean Business, Flinders University College of Business, Government and Law

Angie Abdel Shafei is Dean Business at Flinders University College of Business, Government and Law. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current college page identifies her as Dean Business. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Angie Abdel Shafei: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

45. Lan Snell

Executive Dean, School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology

Lan Snell is Executive Dean, School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship at Swinburne University of Technology. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current school page identifies her as Executive Dean. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Lan Snell: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

46. Sean Sands

Associate Dean Research, Swinburne University of Technology

Sean Sands is Associate Dean Research at Swinburne University of Technology. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current school page identifies him as Associate Dean Research. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Sean Sands: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

47. Maryam Omari

Executive Dean, School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University

Maryam Omari is Executive Dean, School of Business and Law at Edith Cowan University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current ECU profile identifies her as Executive Dean. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Maryam Omari: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

48. Ben Farr-Wharton

Associate Dean, Business Administration and Management, Edith Cowan University

Ben Farr-Wharton is Associate Dean, Business Administration and Management at Edith Cowan University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

An April 2026 ECU article identifies him as Associate Dean, Business Administration and Management. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Ben Farr-Wharton: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

49. Rob Strathdee

Executive Dean, College of Arts, Business, Law, Education and IT, Victoria University

Rob Strathdee is Executive Dean, College of Arts, Business, Law, Education and IT at Victoria University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current college page identifies him as Executive Dean. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Rob Strathdee: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

50. Dr Ranjith Ihalanayake

Program Lead, Business, Victoria University

Dr Ranjith Ihalanayake is Program Lead, Business at Victoria University. The role is a useful fit for a list of higher education executive leaders at Australian business schools because it sits close to the work of setting direction, supporting people and turning a university's purpose into a real student and partner experience.

Current college page lists him as the Business program lead. That gives readers a practical reason to follow Dr Ranjith Ihalanayake: the public role shows where leadership attention is placed, while the institution's own page gives a clear starting point for checking the title and current remit.

A useful next step

The strongest reason to follow these leaders is not the title alone. It is the combination of institutional responsibility, public evidence and the chance to learn how business schools respond to students, employers and a changing economy.

If you use this list for outreach, read the linked university page first and write a message that shows you understand the person's current remit.

Why these roles matter

Business school leadership is about more than a title. These roles connect teaching, research, student experience, industry engagement and the practical choices that shape what a school becomes.

The useful question is not simply who holds a senior role. It is what each role reveals about the work of leading people through change, building trust and keeping an institution connected to its purpose.

Frequently asked questions

How should I use this list?

Use it as a starting point for research, introductions and thoughtful outreach. Read the linked university source before contacting anyone, because leadership responsibilities can change.

Is this a ranking?

No. It is a recognition list of current leaders whose published roles fit the topic. It is not a ranking of people or business schools.

Related reading

You may also find university leadership speakers and educational leadership resources useful.

About the author

Jonno White helps leaders build organisations people would move cities to work at. For a keynote or practical workshop, email jonno@consultclarity.org.