University appoints new Chief Operating Officer

The University of Melbourne has appointed Ms Katerina Kapobassis as its new Vice-President (Administration & Finance) and Chief Operating Officer.

Ms Kapobassis will be responsible for the management of a portfolio which includes finance, property, technology and business services, legal and risk management, student and academic support services, research innovation and commercialisation services, sustainability, operational performance and governance.

University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell said:“Ms Kapobassis is a highly regarded and experienced senior executive who understands the complexities of the higher education sector and our institution, having worked at the University of Melbourne since 2010.

“Ms Kapobassis was instrumental in leading the University through the unprecedented challenges posed by the global pandemic and navigating the University’s path to financial sustainability.

“With more than a decade of contribution and leadership, she is well-equipped to steer our institution towards even greater success in this expanded role."

Ms Kapobassis said: “I am honoured to be appointed as the Chief Operating Officer at one of Australia’s finest institutions and leading universities. I look forward to building on the work already underway as part of the University’s Advancing Melbourne 2030 strategy.”

Ms Kapobassis joined the University of Melbourne in 2010. Since then, she has held a number of senior management positions in the University’s finance division including Executive Director of Finance, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, and has been the University’s Chief Financial Officer since 2019. Ms Kapobassis has been the Acting Vice President (Administration and Finance) and Chief Operating Officer since April this year.

Under Ms Kapobassis’ leadership as CFO, the University undertook a comprehensive reset of the University’s property and estate strategy, highlighted by the launch of an ambitious estate master plan for the future development of its campuses and precincts. Under her leadership, the delivery of the University’s sustainability plan has progressed significantly, and the University has been recognised in various national and international awards and rankings for this work.

Prior to joining the University, Ms Kapobassis worked at Myer Holdings Limited and the Coles Myer Group. She holds a Bachelor of Business from RMIT, is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA Australia) and a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Ms Kapobassis is a Board Member of the Melbourne Theatre Company and the Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics.

Ms Kapobassis’ appointment is effective immediately. This follows a comprehensive recruitment process.