Board & Management

Robert GavshonChairman and Non‑Executive Director

Robert migrated to Australia from South Africa in 1978 where he was a partner in a large law firm. Shortly after arrival in Australia, he was appointed Group General Counsel and Director of Corporate Affairs with worldwide responsibility for a multinational corporation listed on the ASX. Robert later became a significant shareholder in and served as a director of public companies including Executive Deputy Chairman of Barbeques Galore Ltd, a Nasdaq listed company and Rebel Sport listed on the ASX. He has also been involved in several successful equity ventures where he took Board and advisory roles including Oporto, Hipages and The Optical Company. Robert has been engaged in the education sector for over two decades and was a shareholder in and Chairman of Think Education Group and Open Colleges until their sale. He has also occupied leading positions in the not‑for‑profit sector. In 2019 Robert was recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his services to education, business and community. He holds Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law degrees.

Professor Ian YoungNon‑Executive Director

Ian has over 20 years’ experience in the higher education sector. He was previously the Chief Executive (Vice‑Chancellor) of the Australian National University and Swinburne University of Technology and has also held several senior faculty and teaching positions across a range of tertiary institutions. Ian also has extensive experience with boards in the education, government and research sectors. He was previously the Chair of the Group of Eight universities, VERNet and Education Australia and has held board member positions at the Australian Research Council, IDP Education and Online Education Services. Ian holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering, a Master of Engineering Science in Coastal Engineering and a PhD in Coastal Engineering Science. Ian is an independent Director as in the Board’s view he is free from any business or other relationship that could materially interfere with or reasonably be perceived to materially interfere with the independent exercise of his judgement.

Michael StibbardNon‑Executive Director

Michael has over 40 years’ experience in the accounting profession. He was an audit and business consulting partner with Horwath NSW Pty Limited, Chartered Accountants for 23 years and managing partner for 6 of those years. When the company merged with Deloitte in February 2007, he continued to act as an audit and business consulting partner until his retirement from the firm in September 2017. Since leaving Deloitte, Michael has continued to provide business advisory services. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (UNSW). Michael is an independent Director as in the Board’s view he is free from any business or other relationship that could materially interfere with or reasonably be perceived to materially interfere with the independent exercise of his judgement.

Louise McElvogueNon‑Executive Director

Louise is an accomplished director and academic professor with experience across the healthcare, media, cybersecurity, technology, consumer, government and education industries. She has more than 25 years' experience in the media and technology sectors, and has held senior roles in digital, marketing and strategy in Europe, Australia and the USA. Louise is a non-executive director of Healthdirect Australia (Federal and State Governments); and acting President of the Australian Institute of Company Directors NSW Council. In the education sector, Louise was an Industry Professor of Marketing and Digital at UTS Business School before moving to an Adjunct Professor role and previously served as the Chair of the UTS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Advisory Board. Louise is an independent Director as in the Board’s view she is free from any business or other relationship that could materially interfere with or reasonably be perceived to materially interfere with the independent exercise of her judgement.