Deputy Vice-Chancellor (People and Operations)

Eric Knight

Biography

Eric Knight is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (People and Operations), and Professor of Strategic Management. He is responsible for driving strategic resource planning and workforce development, and for leading the delivery of the core professional functions of the University including student recruitment, marketing and communications, digital transformation, human resources, and student and corporate shared services.

Professor Knight was Executive Dean of Macquarie Business School (2020-2024). Highlights during his tenure included a doubling of research income, steep rises across all disciplines in the multiple global research rankings, the release and renewal of several core undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and success in securing the top overall student satisfaction scores in the Sydney basin.

Professor Knight is an internationally recognised researcher in the field of strategy, and his research has been published in top-tiered UT Dallas/ Financial Times 50 (FT50) journals such as the Strategic Management Journal, Academy of Management Journal, and Academy of Management Review. He has attracted both government and industry funding for his work. He completed his BA and LLB (Hons I) from the University of Sydney, his Doctorate of Philosophy (DPhil) from the University of Oxford as an Australian Rhodes Scholar, and he was a Fulbright Senior Scholar at Stanford University.

Before joining Macquarie University, Professor Knight was Professor of Strategic Management and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research – Enterprise & Engagement) at the University of Sydney and worked at Boston Consulting Group.

He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sydney Grammar School, on the boards of MQ Health Hospital and Clinics, and on Universities Admission Centre.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (People and Operations)

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (People and Operations) is responsible for driving strategic resource planning and workforce development, and for leading the efficient and effective delivery of key professional functions necessary to support the University’s Strategic Framework and Operating Plan.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic direction and support for the University’s workforce strategy and transformation across professional and academic workforces.
• In collaboration with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and the Vice-President Strategy, Planning and Performance, provision of strategic advice and support to faculties on the development of a contemporary coursework offering.
• Ensuring marketing and student recruitment activities enable the University to achieve and exceed targets and grow renown.
• Overseeing the University’s marketing, communication and engagement strategies to effectively promote the University’s brand and reputation.
• Overseeing the development and implementation of an effective framework for workforce planning which supports the University’s strategic objectives and aligns with the University’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Overseeing the implementation of the University’s digital transformation strategy.
• Overseeing delivery of the University’s shared services, that enable operational excellence and service focus.

Portfolio areas:

• Future Students
• Student Shared Services
• Corporate Shared Services
• Human Resources
• Group Marketing
• Information Technology