Edith Cowan University (ECU) has appointed Professor Steve Chapman as its Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Chapman is the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, a position he has held since 2009.

During that time he led significant improvements to the student experience, with the University rising from 108th in the 2009 UK National Student Survey to fifth in 2012.

“I am immensely impressed by what I see at Edith Cowan University. It is an institution with excellent values, a clear identity and a strong vision for the future. It will be an honour and a privilege to serve as the next Vice Chancellor,” says Chapman.

ECU Chancellor the Honourable Dr Hendy Cowan AO said the appointment followed a global recruitment process which attracted a very strong field of candidates.

“I am very pleased that Professor Chapman has accepted the role. His leadership and experience will be great assets to take ECU into this next phase of its development as a modern, innovative university.”

Professor Chapman will commence his five year contract with ECU in early 2015.

Julie Verharr elected as Senior Director for Fundraising and Growth at Amnesty International.

With more than a decades experience leading fundraising efforts for major not-for-profits including The Netherlands Red Cross and Greenpeace International, Verhaar is currently Chief of Fundraising Services and Deputy Director for Private Sector Fundraising at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Her previous roles include Founder and Managing Director of Sunrise Integrate Marketing Services Ltd, a project management and consultancy firm in the Netherlands.

Verhaar’s latest appointment will see her leading Amnesty International’s fundraising efforts to achieve goals for increasing human rights impact through growth in income and membership.

“As a longstanding member of Amnesty International, I am honoured to now be able to contribute to the organisation’s mission in this new role. The opportunity for growth, in both financial and membership terms, is truly exciting,” says Verhaar.

As of 1 October Verhaar will officially step into her new role at Amnesty International.

Publishers Australia welcomes Tim Addington as its new Executive Director.

Addington, a communications professional with 15 years’ experience in journalism and public relations globally is the Communications Director at advertising agency The Works. He has also previously held the role of Associate Publisher and Editor of B&T, and Editor of Campaign Middle East in Dubai both of which are marketing focused publications. Addington began his career in London working for a news agency and national newspapers.

“We are delighted to have appointed someone with Tim’s publishing experience to the role of Executive Director. His remit is to deliver increased value to members via events, training and an enhanced Excellence Awards program and to lobby on behalf of the publishing industry and members. Combined with our recent move to new premises, this is an exciting time for Publishers Australia and the board of directors looks forward to working with Tim in the years to come,” says Publishers Australia Chairman Geoff Hird.

“As Publishers Australia enters an exciting new phase in its history I’m looking forward to meeting with members and delivering enhanced services to them across the country,” says Addington.
Addington officially steps into the role on 14 July.