Executive Leadership
Executive team
Professor Aleks Subic
Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer
As Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, Aleks leads Torrens University Australia’s focus on expanding access to education and improving outcomes for students.
A globally recognised leader in higher education, innovation and advanced manufacturing, Aleks brings extensive experience in leading institutional change, building industry partnerships and advancing applied research. Before joining Torrens University, he served as Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University in the UK.
Prior to this, he held senior leadership roles at RMIT University and Swinburne University of Technology, where he led major initiatives in research, digital innovation and industry collaboration. His work has centred on strengthening connections between universities, industry and government, and translating research into practical outcomes, including contributions to national initiatives such as the Australian Prime Minister’s Industry 4.0 Taskforce.
Aleks is recognised for his work in Industry 4.0 and digital transformation, and is ranked among the world’s top two percent of scientists (Stanford University/Elsevier). He has contributed to international research programs and advisory bodies, and has received major awards including the Australian Business Innovation Award and the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Award.
At Torrens University, Aleks is focused on strengthening industry-connected learning, expanding access and opportunity, and improving student outcomes.
DAN APPLEWHITE
Chief Growth Officer
Dan Applewhite is the Chief Growth Officer of Torrens Global Education, a leading global higher-education network committed to expanding access, relevance, and real-world outcomes for students around the world through industry partnerships and technology-infused learning. Torrens Global Education is part of Strategic Education, Inc. (SEI), a diversified education services organization focused on career-relevant learning designed to prepare students for the workforce of today and tomorrow.
In his current role, Dan leads enterprise operational strategy and execution across Torrens and closely aligned functions within SEI. He has overseen corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and cross-functional alignment to drive organizational performance and future-state growth. Prior to becoming COO at Torrens, Dan served as Chief of Staff to SEI’s CEO, Karl McDonnell, where he played an integral role shaping strategic priorities and operational initiatives across the global enterprise.
Dan brings 15+ years of experience at the intersection of education, technology, and organizational growth, with a consistent focus on leveraging digital capabilities to scale impact across the education-to-employment ecosystem. His background spans investing, advising, and building companies that bridge learning and workforce readiness — all with an emphasis on designing systems that meaningfully improve economic mobility and opportunity.
A passionate advocate for reimagining education in the age of rapid technological change, Dan believes the urgency of aligning education pathways with the demands of an AI-driven economy is one of the most critical challenges of our time.
Dan has recently relocated from Dallas, TX to Sydney, Australia, with his wife and young son to support Torrens’ continued growth and expansion. Outside of his executive responsibilities, he is deeply committed to mentorship, strategic investing, and initiatives that expand access to equitable learning and career pathways.
Professor Dominique Parrish
Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic (DVCA)
With a distinguished career in senior academic leadership positions, Professor Dominique Parrish was appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, at Torrens University in October 2023.
Prior to her appointment, Professor Parrish served as Pro-Vice Chancellor Learning and Teaching at Macquarie University, Associate Dean (Education) and Director Learning, Teaching, and the Student Experience, at the University of Wollongong.
A highly qualified educationalist, Professor Parrish has over 35 years of experience designing and implementing programs, solutions, and initiatives to meet organisation, project, program, and curricula outcomes and deliverables. Her research interests include technology-enhanced learning, learning-oriented assessment, student experience and engagement, and leadership and emotional intelligence.
Professor Parrish has served as the President of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE) and was a Senior Editor of the Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice (JUTLP).
Hugo Contente
Vice President, People and Talent
Hugo Contente formally joined Torrens University in February 2018, and brings a great deal of experience having previously led Student Services and Human Resources teams across Europe. Along with a great sense of humour, Hugo brings a naturally collaborative approach, a deep commitment to our mission, and an appreciation of balancing business needs with student outcomes.
Hugo joined Laureate International Universities in 2011 as HR Director for Portugal, he forged a successful career in HR consultancy, focused on a range of training and development initiatives. In 2014 Hugo moved to Madrid, where he led the Student Services Department for Spain and Portugal, before becoming Vice President, Human Resources in 2016. In early 2017, Hugo transitioned to the role of Organizational and Talent Development Director for Laureate across Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Asia Pacific.
Hugo holds a degree in psychology from Universidade de Lisboa, and an MBA from AESE / IESE – one of the leading business schools in Portugal.
Adam Guinea
Vice President, Finance – ANZ
Adam Guinea joined Torrens Global Education in September 2015 and was appointed to the position of Vice President, Finance-ANZ in July 2023, having previously served as Deputy CFO, Director of Finance-Planning & Analysis, and Director of Control. In his current role, Adam oversees Controllership, Commercial Finance, Planning & Analysis, Internal Controls, Accounts Payable & Procurement and Property & Facilities. Prior to joining Torrens, Adam held several senior finance roles in the UK and USA for financial services group Old Mutual, bringing significant experience and expertise in listed, multi-national environments. While grounding the focus of Finance in compliance, accuracy and efficiency, Adam is also passionate about being an effective partner to the business, providing insight, supporting decision-making and enabling the achievement of our mission.
Adam began his career in external audit at KPMG Australia, is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and holds a Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) from Queensland University of Technology.
Rob McGowan
Vice President, Future Students and Growth
Rob McGowan was appointed Vice President International in April 2023, after previously holding the role of Senior Director of Industry and Employability.
Rob has extensive international experience in education, having been employed as Managing Director of Coventary University Recruitment and Admissions Ltd (CURA) in the UK. CURA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Coventry University Group, established by Rob in April 2019. CURA employed approximately 400 staff and delivered all customer engagement services for prospective and current students across the Coventry University Group. Rob was also Director of Sales (ANZ), Laureate International Universities until March 2019.
Rob holds a Bachelor of Science from Coventry University and an MBA from Torrens University Australia.
Anna Sutton
General Counsel
Anna Sutton joined Torrens Global Education as General Counsel in 2024 and is a member of the Executive team. She oversees all legal and corporate governance matters for Torrens Global Education, including Torrens University.
With extensive experience in governance and law in highly regulated industries and international environments, Anna previously served as General Counsel ANZ for Syngenta Group, a leading life sciences company, where she led the legal, ethics, and compliance functions. Prior to that, Anna spent six years as an expat in Singapore, in various legal roles covering the Asia Pacific region. Anna also contributes her expertise as a member of the School Council of Barker College.
Nicola Smith
Vice President, Student Experience
Nicola Smith joined Torrens Global Education as the new Vice President, Student Experience in April 2025.
Nicola brings a wealth of experience and deep passion for designing and delivering exceptional customer experiences. With a strong background in customer experience strategy, design thinking, insights and analytics, complaint resolution, and cultural transformation, Nicola has built and led cross-functional teams focused on improving people’s journeys through complex systems.
Prior to joining Torrens, Nicola held several senior positions leading experience functions at Aware Super, BT Financial Group, Westpac and Qantas and brings extensive leadership experience, commercial acumen, and a people-first mindset. Nicola oversees all Campus Operations and Student Services teams at Torrens University and is responsible for creating a highly personalised, empowering, and future-focused student experience at Torrens University.
Nicola began her career at KPMG Australia where she completed her Chartered Accountant qualifications and holds a Bachelor of Business from University of Technology Sydney.
Tracey Stanbridge
Interim Senior Director of IT
Tracey joined Torrens University in March 2025 as Director of Product Delivery and has since taken on the role of Interim Director of IT. In this dual capacity, she leads enterprise digital platforms, technology services and cross-functional initiatives that support the University’s strategic priorities, operational resilience and student experience.
With a background in large global holding groups across the ad-technology and media sectors, Tracey brings deep experience in custom solutions, operations and the delivery of bespoke software for complex organisations. She has partnered with high-profile clients including the Australian Federal Government, Kmart and Coca-Cola, delivering scalable digital solutions and enabling business transformation.
At Torrens, Tracey focuses on strengthening digital capability, improving delivery confidence and ensuring technology platforms are well positioned to support future growth, regulatory requirements and innovation across the institution.