Swinburne announces new Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer

Following an international search, respected higher education leader Professor Simon Ridings has been appointed Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer.

As Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer, Professor Ridings will provide strategic leadership and oversight of Swinburne’s schools and will lead and drive our higher education, academic and vocational education strategies, including their continuous improvement and quality assurance.

Swinburne Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pascale Quester, said Professor Ridings’ extensive experience and passion for education made him the perfect candidate for the role.

“Since joining Swinburne as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, External Engagement last year, Simon has embodied our next-gen ethos, committed to people and technology working together to build a better world.”

“Simon brings a wealth of experience and a passion for academic excellence and innovation to the role, which will help ensure Swinburne graduates are equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving world.”

Previously Professor Ridings has worked across all levels of tertiary education, beginning his career as a tutor at the University of Queensland and being a passionate and innovative teacher at QUT for more than 10 years lecturing in Economics and Public Policy, International Marketing and Logistics, and Economic and Business Development in Asia.

He has held executive roles in both Business and Health Science faculties and is a proven senior leader, having held various senior executive roles at Curtin University, the University of Canberra and Edith Cowan University.

“I look forward to working closely with Simon, to ensure Swinburne remains the prototype of global best practice, offering our students a personalised, engaged and tech-biased education,” Professor Quester said.

Professor Ridings will start in his new role on 1 August.