Gareth Austin

Gareth is a driven, results focused leader with the proven ability to lead both large operational teams and smaller targeted program teams. He is passionate about developing his team members into high performing teams. He is all about his ‘work family’ and has a deep understanding that an engaged team is a high performing team. Gareth has successfully improved his IT operational teams across all organisations leading to service uplifts and satisfied customers. He intentionally stepped out of IT for a few years to hone his business improvement and program management skills. Additionally the goal in working outside of IT was to gain a deeper insight of IT from a consumer’s point of view. Currently a senior manager heading up IT Operations at Murdoch University, reporting into the CIO, Gareth leads a large Function consisting of 5 managers and reports, ~40 staff and contractors and around 10 staff from Managed Service Provider – Cap Gemini and Zetta. Gareth has ~22 years of senior leadership and program management experience across ICT, Business Transformation and Commercial Functions. This spans multiple industries such as Higher Ed, Power Utility, Banking and Mining and Government sectors. He has specialist knowledge of ICT and OT infrastructure, Service and Supplier management, and business improvement techniques some of which he has developed himself and applied successfully. Gareth is a personable and highly skilled people first manager whose leadership philosophy is to lead by example and always be available to his ‘work family’. His positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills are the basis of his ability to engage, consult and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels to achieve tangible results. A self-motivated individual committed to continual improvement and the success of his organisation. Gareth welcomes a challenge, is comfortable with difficult conversations and performs well in a crisis. Gareth is an active and inspiring member of the community. He is a caring father and keen fitness enthusiast.