April 29, 2026
UOW alumnus and technology leader Syed Ahmed elected Deputy Chancellor
Mr Ahmed brings broad cross-sector experience in governance, technology, health, and digital transformation
The University of Wollongong (UOW) has announced the election of Mr Syed Ahmed to the role of Deputy Chancellor, recognising his significant contributions to the University and the broader community. The University Council also elected Isabel Gill, a UOW Engineering (Mechatronics) student with a passion for bridging the gap between students and staff as its undergraduate student member.
A UOW graduate, Mr Ahmed was appointed to UOW Council in April 2025 by NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan. He received strong support from across the University community in his nomination for the Deputy Chancellor role and was elected unanimously.
His personal journey reflects the positive impacts of UOW’s global footprint, for students, the University and for Australia. After becoming acquainted with UOW through its Dubai campus, he came to Wollongong as an international student, earning a Bachelor of Commerce and then a Master of Information Systems (Honours), for which he wrote a thesis on Artificial Intelligence. He is a passionate advocate for higher education and the role of universities in fostering innovation, diversity, and community engagement.
Since graduating Mr Ahmed has become a highly regarded business leader and technology innovator, with over 15 years of senior executive experience across the commercial, health, and digital sectors. He is widely recognised for driving transformation at the intersection of technology, business strategy, and community impact.
Mr Ahmed’s board experience has been shaped by governance roles at organisations delivering significant societal impact through periods of strategic and operational change. He served as CEO and Executive Director of Innowell, a digital mental health support platform for five years. He also brings over nine years of board experience as a non-executive director at the Westmead Hospital Foundation.
UOW Chancellor Michael Still congratulated Mr Ahmed on his election and said, “Syed brings exceptional insight, leadership, and a deep understanding of technology and community engagement. His experience and vision will be invaluable to the University as we continue to grow and innovate.”
Mr Ahmed said, “I am honoured to be elected Deputy Chancellor and look forward to contributing to UOW’s ongoing mission to foster innovation, support students, and strengthen connections between the University and the wider community. As an alumnus, it is especially meaningful to give back to the University that shaped my journey, and I am committed to supporting the ambitions of UOW Vision 2035, helping drive its focus on innovation, global impact, and delivering meaningful outcomes for our communities.”
Mr Ahmed has been an active contributor to UOW Council and continues to serve on multiple Council committees, including the Council Nominations Committee, Performance and Remuneration Committee and the Program Control Board, as well as Chair of the new Council Digital, Technology and AI Advisory Committee. His leadership across both corporate and education sectors makes him a valued asset to the University’s governance and strategic direction.
Mr Ahmed’s term as Deputy Chancellor will continue to strengthen UOW’s commitment to innovation, diversity, and community impact.