Shainal Kavar has been named as La Trobe University’s new CIO, taking the place of Stuart Hildyard, who departed the position in September.
In an email to colleagues that was seen by iTnews, the university’s COO Mark Smith made the announcement of the appointment.
Kavar will begin serving as CIO on November 21 “after a comprehensive internal and external recruitment process,” according to Smith.
Shainal “joins the institution with extensive experience in delivering significant digital transformation projects in senior executive capacities,” Smith added.
He has led teams working on digital transformation projects and produced important results in challenging operational settings.
He has extensive expertise managing strategic work programmes and projects for multinational corporations such as Downer, Spotless, Clarity Consulting, LogicaCMG, and Accenture.
Kavar has been the leader of Downer’s IT strategy, architecture, and business engagement for more than three years.
According to Smith, Kavar will oversee the information services team in his capacity as CIO and aim to “help creation of a fit-for-purpose, customer-focused digital infrastructure that will enable delivery of the university’s digital transformation as a core part of our strategic plan.”
In addition to creating suitable information services strategies, rules, and operational programmes for students, staff, and industry, he added, “this will also include monitoring, reviewing, and reporting on digital effectiveness across the university.”
