Professor Knight will take the reins from Vice-President Professional Services Nicole Gower, who will leave the University next month to take up a new role after almost a decade of distinguished service.
An internationally recognised scholar in the fields of organisational theory and strategic management, Professor Knight has helped transform the Macquarie Business School (MQBS) since taking on the Executive Dean post in 2020.
Vice Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton said the new appointment ensures the newly labelled People and Operations portfolio remains in good hands.
“Professor Knight’s exemplary performance as Executive Dean of Macquarie Business School, where he has successfully led efforts to address numerous challenges and opportunities facing the University, makes him an ideal person to lead this portfolio going forward,” he said.
Professor Eric Knight has been appointed to the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (People and Operations).
Professor Knight joined Macquarie University from the University of Sydney, where he was a Professor of Strategic Management and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research – Enterprise and Engagement). He stepped into the role after a 2019 restructure, which saw the Faculty of Business and Economics, Macquarie Graduate School of Management (MGSM) and the Applied Finance Centre become the Macquarie Business School. His leadership not only supported a smooth transition, but it also bolstered the school’s research, education and reputational standing with industry and academic partners.
His success as Executive Dean is also reflected in student success rates, top QILT survey results and course rankings, and the emergence of the highly successful Bachelor of Business and Master of Business Analytics programs.
Professor Knight holds a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) from the University of Oxford, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar, was a Fulbright Senior Scholar and Visiting Professor at Stanford University, and has worked in industry for the Boston Consulting Group.
Ahead of her departure, Professor Dowton thanked Ms Gower for her significant contribution.
“Macquarie University has benefited greatly from Nicole’s diligent leadership, her authenticity and her commitment to diversity and inclusion,” he said.
“I extend my gratitude to Nicole for her incredible tenure and wish her the very best.”
