51²è¹Ý

May 13, 2025

51²è¹Ý welcomes Syed Ahmed to Council

Mr Ahmed brings to the role extensive experience across commercial, health and technology sectors

The 51²è¹Ý (UOW) has welcomed the appointment of Syed Ahmed to the University Council, following an announcement by NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan.

Mr Ahmed is a UOW alumni, having studied a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Information Systems, with a thesis in Artificial Intelligence, at the University.

He brings more than 15 years of senior leadership experience in large corporate enterprises and global consulting firms to the role. He currently serves as CEO of Innowell, a digital mental health platform, and has been a non-executive board member of the Westmead Hospital Foundation for the past six years.

UOW Chancellor Mr Michael Still has expressed his delight in the appointment, highlighting Mr Ahmed’s extensive experience across commercial, health and technology sectors as invaluable to the University and its community.

“We are thrilled to welcome Syed Ahmed to the UOW Council. His impressive background in business technology and mental health innovation aligns well with our strategic priorities,” Mr Still said.

“Mr Ahmed's leadership at Innowell, particularly its partnership with the University of Sydney to provide free mental health support during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrates his understanding of the unique challenges facing higher education institutions and their communities.”

UOW Deputy Chancellor Ms Nieves Murray highlighted the importance of Mr Ahmed’s strong connections to Western Sydney and said he will provide valuable perspective from his own cultural and linguistically diverse background.

“Mr Ahmed’s deep understanding of Western Sydney’s diverse communities will be valuable as we progress our renewed vision for our Liverpool campus," Ms Murray said.

“His insight and understanding of mental health support services within the higher education community will help the council make effective decisions on their behalf.

“The University will also benefit from his extensive knowledge and skills in business technology, health advocacy and diverse communities and we look forward to having him onboard.”

Mr Ahmed expressed his gratitude for the appointment and shared his enthusiasm for the opportunity to give back to the University and its community.

"I'm incredibly honoured to join the Council of the 51²è¹Ý and contribute to the University's continued excellence," Mr Ahmed said.

"The University, many of its staff, and the city itself shaped who I was and how I grew personally and professionally. I now have the privilege and opportunity to give something back, and I'm excited to be working closely with the amazing members of Council and University executive."

The University extends its sincere gratitude to outgoing Council member Ms Katherine McConnell, Founder and CEO of Brighte, for her valuable service and contributions during her term.

Mr Ahmed has been appointed for a four-year term on the Council, which is the governing authority of the University.

The NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education is responsible for appointing two members to the governing body of each of the 10 NSW public universities.