As Group Chief Financial Officer, Richard brings over 30 years of corporate experience in senior executive positions leading corporate services functions at listed companies including Macquarie Bank, Commonwealth Bank, Qantas, Telstra, Unilever; Australian Government (ASIC), NSW Government (NSW Health, Transport for NSW, NSW Finance Services and Innovation) and organisations within the Not-for-Profit sector. Richard has a keen interest in corporate governance, education, ethics, and sustainability. His interest in finance education extends to providing thought leadership to leading Australian universities. He holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Business and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Chartered Accountant, and Fellow of CPA Australia.
Dr. Lawrence Pratchett is a distinguished academic leader with over 30 years of experience in higher education in Australia and the UK. As CEO of UniReady and the Australian School of Global Studies (ASGS), he has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between students and world-class international education. His leadership is characterised by a blend of academic rigour and entrepreneurial vision, driving the creation of innovative educational ecosystems across multiple countries.
Previously, Dr. Pratchett held prominent positions at the University of Canberra, where he served as the founding Dean of the Faculty of Business, Government, and Law, and later as Pro Vice-Chancellor. He was instrumental in developing the university’s international strategy and expanding its global footprint with transnational education initiatives in Asia and beyond. His extensive academic contributions include over 5000 citations, and he is recognised for his expertise in local democracy, electronic governance, and strategic educational planning​.
Rodrigo Guimaraes is an accomplished international education professional and director of the International Student Recruitment department at ECA, with a remarkable 16-year tenure.
He’s a multilingual dynamo with impressive sales, marketing, and business development experience in the industry, as well as first-hand knowledge of all student journey steps.
Rodrigo is driven by self-motivation, discipline, and ambition while harbouring an enthusiasm for learning about new cultures and markets. His growth mindset has helped him to form meaningful connections at both senior executive levels and with key internal/external stakeholders. He leads an engaging team culture, buoyed by his commitment to integrity, respectfulness, and prompt solutions for stakeholders’ needs.
Name: Anna Susmita Rozario
Email: [email protected]
Position: International Recruitment Manager – Bangladesh (University Partnerships)
Name: Malinda Herath
Email: [email protected]
Position: International Recruitment Manager -Sri Lanka and South India (University Partnerships)
Name: Sapana Thapaliya
Email: [email protected]
Position: International Recruitment Manager (ECA Private Higher Ed – Offshore Nepal)
Name: James Benjamin William Collins
Email: [email protected]
Position: Senior Business Development Manager (Subcontinent – Offshore)
Address: Unit 401 Peninsula Court Bldg. 8735 Paseo De Roxas Street, Makati City 1209 Philippines
Phone: +63 2 804 1898
Email: [email protected]
When it comes to leadership, effective communication, and business management, few individuals have the credentials that Lee Kennedy-Davidson possesses. She has built a reputation as an accomplished leader with substantial experience leading diverse teams in a complex and high-volume environment. Her record of successfully identifying, designing, and implementing change to support the development of staff and improvement of output and services to clients is impressive.
Lee’s accomplishments began early in her career. She started her careers in admission early on and has developed and honed her at skills to the level where she is truly exceptional in leading large teams of highly motivated individuals. She has worked at a variety of tertiary education providers. Her experience in the education industry has contributed to her ability to manage any team at any level.
One of Lee’s greatest achievements is her ability to identify opportunities for growth and change, and to then design and implement solutions. This skill has been critical in her role as Group General Manager of Operations, where she has spearheaded the implementation of new initiatives and procedures that have streamlined operations and improved staff and client satisfaction. She is also known for her ability to lead large projects with many moving parts, all while keeping everyone motivated and on-task.
Despite her many accomplishments, Lee remains humble and down-to-earth. She is known for her approachable personality and her willingness to listen to and collaborate with others. She has a genuine interest in the success of her colleagues and clients and is always looking for ways to help them achieve their goals.
Fernando Scarmozzino is a visionary leader in the field of higher education, with an impressive career spanning over three decades. As the Vice-President of International Relations and Group Campuses, he has proven himself to be a seasoned education manager, with a keen sense of business development strategy.
Mr. Scarmozzino is a highly regarded academic and researcher, having served as a senior university academic with top institutions across the globe. His international education experience spans multiple continents, including Asia, where he has worked with universities in China, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal, and Kuwait.
In addition to his academic and business development expertise, Mr. Scarmozzino is also a skilled consulting professional in Mathematics, Statistics, and Operations Research. His knowledge and acumen in these areas have been instrumental in guiding the development of innovative approaches to problem-solving in higher education.
Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Scarmozzino has been recognized for his exceptional leadership, outstanding academic achievements, and dedication to shaping the future of education. He is a true visionary, committed to creating positive change in the world through transformative education solutions.
As a confident and articulate professional, Fernando Scarmozzino is a trusted thought leader and mentor in the field of higher education. His vast knowledge and expertise make him a key player in the global education landscape, and he remains committed to advancing the field through innovative research, strategic partnerships, and cutting-edge educational programs.
Andrew Holloway is a renowned figure in the international education sector, with an extensive career spanning over three decades. With a wealth of experience in the field, Andrew has worked in various roles with different responsibilities, including policy development, strategic planning, marketing and recruitment, student mobility/exchange, and international student support services. His work has made a significant impact on shaping the international education landscape in Australia and New Zealand.
Andrew is currently the Vice President of University Partnerships and Pathways at the Education Centre of Australia (ECA). In this role, he oversees the development and implementation of innovative pathways and partnerships that enable international students to access higher education opportunities and achieve their academic and career goals. Andrew’s expertise in transnational education partnerships has been instrumental in establishing successful programs and collaborations between Australian and international institutions.
Apart from his work at ECA, Andrew has served as a ministerial appointee on the Advisory Board to the Australian Government’s Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) for four years. His contribution to the advisory board has been invaluable in ensuring that migration agents uphold ethical, professional, and legal standards in their work.
Andrew’s passion for international education is rooted in his belief that it has the power to transform individuals, communities, and society as a whole. His leadership in the sector has been marked by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. With his vast experience, strategic acumen, and visionary leadership, Andrew is undoubtedly among the foremost thought leaders in the international education sector in Australia and beyond.
Archana Singh is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience spanning over two decades. With a strong educational background, having attended Maharshi Dayanand University, Archana has proven to be a significant player in the world of business.
Over the last five years, Archana has served as the Group Director at the Education Centre of Australia, where she has excelled in driving growth and achieving organizational objectives. Prior to this role, she served as the CFO at ECA, playing a key role in the financial stability of the organization.
Archana’s extensive skill set is marked by exceptional leadership qualities, effective management and team-building skills, and a strategic approach to building and executing business strategies. Her ability to inspire, motivate and guide her team has earned her the respect and admiration of stakeholders and colleagues alike.
In her current role, Archana has proven her expertise in strategic planning, by developing and implementing growth strategies that have significantly increased the organization’s bottom line. Her insightful and decisive leadership has positioned Education Centre of Australia as a trendsetter in the education sector, driving innovation, and setting new standards in the industry.
Archana is widely regarded as a confident and astute business leader, with the ability to analyze complex information and make strategic decisions that drive success and growth. Her proven track record and exceptional skills make her a valuable asset to any organization, and her contributions are sure to drive sustained success and growth wherever she works.
Dr. Scott Dickson is a seasoned academician and administrator with a wealth of experience in leadership, education, accreditation, and research. He began his career as a dedicated physical education teacher before making his mark as an academic at the University of New England in Armidale, where he completed his PhD on the assessment and development of occupational competencies, using elite soccer referees as a compelling case study.
In 2004, Dr. Dickson assumed the role of Dean at the Australian College of Physical Education and, under his stewardship, the institution expanded its program offerings, diversified delivery methods, and enhanced the quality of its academic initiatives. Dr. Dickson’s unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and relevance soon attracted the attention of the Navitas Group, one of Australia’s leading providers of education services.
In 2012, Dr. Dickson was appointed as Dean at The Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP), a Navitas subsidiary, and was entrusted with leading multiple business units, including ACAP, Navitas College of Public Safety, and Health Skills Australia. Drawing on his expertise in accreditation, Dr. Dickson led a series of successful course accreditation and registration processes that culminated in NPI being awarded self-accrediting authority in March 2017, a remarkable achievement that underscored his unwavering pursuit of quality and compliance.
Throughout his illustrious academic career, Dr. Dickson has led and contributed to research projects for many national sporting organizations, departments of education, and other stakeholder groups. He has also served on numerous national and state-based committees, where he has lent his expertise to policy development, program evaluation, and strategic planning. Notably, Dr. Dickson’s leadership and insights were sought after by the Federal Government’s QILT committee, which was tasked with overseeing the introduction of quality indicators in higher education, an honorable distinction that reflects his profound commitment to education and public service.
Beyond his remarkable accomplishments in education and research, Dr. Scott Dickson is also an accomplished sportsman. He has been active in soccer and cricket for many years, and he currently enjoys cycling, having participated in annual Gran Fondos such as L’Étape du Tour in the Snowy Mountains and the Bupa Challenge in Adelaide. Dr. Dickson is undoubtedly a multi-talented, visionary, and influential personality who has made significant contributions to education, research, and sports, and he continues to inspire excellence and innovation in all his endeavors.
Gavin is a dynamic and driven Chief Operating Officer with over 20 years of experience in the international education sector. He has an impressive track record of success in student acquisition, strategic management, and leadership. Gavin’s early career began in London, where he worked for marketing agencies and gained exposure to clients from diverse industries. He transitioned into the education sector in the late 1990s, and since then, he has built a reputation for his unparalleled expertise in the field.
At Education Centre of Australia, Gavin oversees university partnerships, marketing, admissions, sales, HR, IT, and the colleges within the ECA Group. He has been instrumental in driving ECA’s growth, which has seen a staggering 200% increase in business since he joined the company in 2016. With his keen eye for strategy and business acumen, Gavin has played a pivotal role in preparing ECA for a possible IPO, a testament to his confidence in the company’s future prospects.
Gavin is a results-driven leader who takes a hands-on approach to management. He is known for his excellent communication skills and ability to inspire and motivate his team to achieve their full potential. Gavin’s expertise in international education makes him a sought-after speaker and commentator, and he has been invited to speak at numerous conferences and events.
Throughout his career, Gavin has established himself as a leader in the education sector, consulting, and founding two successful education marketing businesses. He has an in-depth understanding of the challenges facing the sector, and he is dedicated to providing innovative solutions to improve student outcomes.
In his role at ECA, Gavin has been instrumental in forging strong partnerships with universities in Australia. He has also overseen the expansion of ECA’s own colleges in the private and vocational education sub-sectors, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of the industry.
Gavin is a confident, influential, and results-driven leader who has a proven track record of success in the education sector. He is dedicated to improving student outcomes and is committed to driving ECA’s continued growth and success.
Kirsti Nunn is a highly accomplished and results-oriented business leader with a passion for driving change and achieving outstanding financial performance. With her unwavering focus on operational excellence, productivity, and systems innovation, Kirsti has consistently succeeded in delivering game-changing outcomes for companies of all sizes.
Thanks to her extensive experience and expertise in developing and executing strategies for substantial growth, Kirsti is known for making strategic recommendations and sound direction based on data-driven, analytical insights. Her ability to spearhead business change has resulted in impressive outcomes such as increasing operating profit by a staggering 240% in just one year through a comprehensive 3-pronged strategic plan that involved significant financial control, additional product offerings, and changes in operational processes and systems implementations.
Kirsti’s talent for improving reporting accuracy by automating accounting and operations processes has been demonstrated time and time again. As a skilled project manager, she has led complex ERP systems implementations, delivering on-time and on-budget results by effectively communicating and engaging with over 200 stakeholders nationwide. Her expertise and drive have resulted in removing all manual processes, enabling the group to complete the most time-consuming tasks in just seconds.
Under Kirsti’s leadership, teams have flourished and consistently achieved top performance. Her unwavering dedication to staff training, leadership, mentorship, and motivation has enabled her to build large teams of world-class talent that are customer-centric and collaborative. Through her effective management and guidance, turnover rates have been improved dramatically, moving from 80% to just 10% in just one year. During this time, Kirsti built a highly collaborative Centre of Excellence, fostering teamwork, cooperation, and mutual respect.
Kirsti’s passion for driving change and delivering results, combined with her dedication to building top-performing teams, makes her an ideal candidate for driving your organization towards even greater success.
Rupesh Singh is a leader in the global education industry with an unbridled passion for empowering students and changing lives. As the founder and Group CEO of the Education Centre of Australia (ECA), he has built a thriving business that has been recognised with numerous awards and accolades. His tireless efforts and entrepreneurial spirit have earned him a reputation as an astute business leader with a deep understanding of the education market.
As an international student in his early years in Australia, Rupesh experienced firsthand the transformative power of education as a great enabler in life. This inspired him to build a global business that offers education products across the full value chain, from English courses to master’s programs, university partnerships with some of the most prestigious institutions in the world, internships, and online study. Through his leadership, ECA has grown into a world-class educational institution that delivers vocational as well as higher education courses to over 8,000 students annually. The institution has also employed around 600 people globally, who share Rupesh’s passion for transforming lives through education.
Before founding ECA, Rupesh worked with some of the biggest multinational corporations, including Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Essar Steel Ltd, and Global IT Australia Pty Ltd. He established an IT company in 2001, which eventually became a Gold Partner of Microsoft and worked with multinational IT companies. He then went on to set up Asia Pacific International College (APIC) in 2006, which marked the beginning of his illustrious career in the education industry.
Under Rupesh’s leadership, ECA has expanded into the international education market, setting up offices in India and the United Kingdom, with plans for further expansion. He has also met with numerous notable figures, including politicians, athletes, and academics. In 2022, he met with the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi, to discuss higher education in India, various sports training opportunities, and Smart City concepts.
Rupesh’s greatest satisfaction is seeing his staff and students grow and do well as ECA grows. He is a highly respected leader who inspires his team to be their best selves. His intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit, and loyal, hardworking team have been the driving force behind ECA’s remarkable success. He believes in providing education opportunities to as many people as is practical in all the markets they operate in and remains committed to making a difference in the lives of students worldwide.
Address: 72-74 Cecil Ave, Castle Hill NSW 2154
Phone University of Canberra Sydney Hills: +61 (0)2 9052 8900
Address: Parramatta: 1/3 Fitzwilliam St, Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia
Phone ECA Professional Year: 1800 845 296
Phone APIC: 1300 870 962
Phone CHS: 1300 219 159
Phone ECA College: +61 02 8766 3570
Address: ECA CORPORATE HOUSE, Opposite Safal Profitaire, Prahlad Nagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380015
Phone: +91 9974004211
Email: [email protected]
ECA International College
Address: 166-220 Holloway Rd, London N7 8DB, United Kingdom
Phone: 61282653290 (290) / 61282653215 (215) (Toll Free)
Address: ECA International College, T11-01 London Metropolitan University 166 – 220 Holloway Rd London N7 8DB
Phone: +61 2 82353290/+61 2 82653215 (Toll free)
Address: 269 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Phone ECA Brisbane: +61(07) 3210 7474
Phone ECA College: +61 (03) 7035 5300
Phone ELSIS: 1800 652 091
Phone APIC: +61 (07) 3210 7474
Phone CHS: 1300 219 159
Phone ECA Professional Year: 1800 845 296
Address: Level 7, 399 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia
Phone ECA Melbourne: +61(0) 3 9603 5333
Phone University of Tasmania Melbourne: +61 3 7035 5300
Phone ECA College: +61 (0)3 7035 5300
Phone ELSIS: 1800 652 091
Phone HELI: 1300 00 4354
Phone APIC: 1300 870 962
Phone ECA Professional Year: 1800 845 296
Address: Level 10, 160 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone HQ: +61 (0) 2 8265 3200
Phone Victoria University Sydney: +61 (0)2 8265 3222
Phone ECA College: +61 02 8265 3200
Phone ELSIS: 1800 652 091
At ECA we will:
To create an environment where students and staff achieve their full potential.
To be a global education provider of excellence, transforming lives for the better.
