Executive Director, Finance and Operations

The Division of the Executive Director, Finance and Operations was established upon the appointment of Mr Jonathan Blakeman as Executive Director in January 2009. His key responsibilities in the portfolio are Risk Management, Finance, IT Services, Facilities & Property and Procurement.

Prior to this appointment Jonathan was Director of Administration at the University of Auckland, for 9 years. He was responsible to the Vice Chancellor for the Finance, Property, IT, Student Administration and Risk Management functions and took a leading role in the University’s capital planning, financial planning and budget processes.

Jonathan is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in New Zealand. He holds a BCom and a Diploma in Local Government and Administration from The University of Auckland. During his studies he was also President of the Auckland University Students' Association (AUSA) and Chairperson of the New Zealand Students' Arts Council. He holds a Master of Public Policy (with distinction) from Victoria University of Wellington, and received the Prime Minister’s Prize in Public Policy Studies in 1998.

Prior to his appointment as Director of Administration in 1999, Jonathan was the General Manager of Auckland Institute of Technology (now AUT University) for five years. He was the Chief Management Accountant at Auckland City Council from 1989 - 1992, and Corporate Financial Controller from 1992 - 1993.

From 1994 to 2004 Jonathan was a Director of Watercare Services Ltd, a local authority trading enterprise responsible for bulk water and wastewater services for the greater Auckland region. He was a Trustee of the New Zealand Universities’ Superannuation Scheme from 2000 to 2008.

Organisational Chart

Finance Director - Mr Stephen Rees   The Finance team supports administrative staff, managers and researchers in monitoring, controlling and managing the University's financial resources efficiently. Responsible for Budget and Management Reporting, Financial Control, Financial Operations, Training, Research Finance Services, Procurement, Investments, Faculty Finance Services, Engagement of Contractors.

Facilities Management Director - Robert Kelly     As custodians of the UNSW Estate, Facilities Management role is to plan, design, build, maintain and secure the campus.   Responsible for Campus Services, Planning & Development, Property Services, FM Systems, and Asset Management.

IT@UNSW Director - Mr Michael Kirby-Lewis   An IT service organisation that provides a cost effective UNSW-wide consistent, responsive, secure and flexible IT serviced to all staff and students through increased functionality, capacity and availability of services to allow more focus on providing support for Research, Teaching and Learning.   Responsible for IT services, IT procurement, mobile communications, telephony, service alerts, IT access.

Risk Management Unit Director - Mr Paul Bransdon   The Risk Management Unit assists the UNSW community to meet its obligation to protect and promote our people, assets, reputation and opportunities through the provision of guidelines, tools and advice regarding the management of University risks.   Responsible for Insurance, risk management program, travel advisory and risk management, UNSW risk consultancy, Worker's Compensation.