Update from Rebecca Cawood, Chair of the Board of UNE Life:
In January 2025 the UNE Life Board began the search for a Chief Executive Officer who could build on the strong foundations of UNE Life to drive growth and wider regional impact. On behalf of the Board of UNE Life, I am pleased to announce that Kim Lawrence has been appointed as the CEO, with the effective start date of 1 August 2025.
The recruitment process undertaken was thorough: it received more than 50 applicants, and six promising candidates for the role were interviewed.
Kim is a highly motivated individual who believes the best results come from improving processes and valuing employees. Her experience includes Head of Finance & Administration with Booz Allen & Hamilton, where she was responsible for the South African, Russian and Polish Offices, and as Legal & Regulatory Analyst with British Airways in London, where she gained a good understanding of complex systems within organisations. These positions strengthened her belief in the value of building solid business foundations to achieve operating efficiencies, and the need for robust governance structures to ensure integrity of the business.
After moving to Sydney, Kim worked as a consultant to many businesses over 20 years, taking a hands-on approach to helping them achieve profitability. These skills have been valued at UNE since she joined the University in 2022, working as Company Secretary (Controlled Entities) and more recently in acting as the Director of Governance for UNE.
Kim holds a Bachelor of Accounting degree and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1998. She also holds a Masters Taxation (UNSW) along with a Certificate in Governance Practice, Governance Institute of Australia. Kim strives for all-round success within organisations and finds joy in bringing the people along for the journey. Importantly, Kim is based in Armidale and has a deep commitment to our community and region.
As the Chair of the Board of UNE Life, I would like to thank Ben Bible for his service as interim CEO over that last 9 months. Ben stepped up to the challenge of Interim CEO at a time when UNE Life needed his organisational acumen, and deep sense of care for the organisation and its people. I look forward to continuing to work with Ben and the exceptional management team at UNE Life during this transition phase.