Executive Leadership
Executive team
Dan Cockerell
Chief Executive Officer
Dan is the CEO of Think Education.
He previously served as Vice-President of the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Florida. Dan graduated from Boston University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and earned his MBA in 2001 from the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College.
Dan's career began at Disney’s Epcot Center and included various management roles at Disneyland Paris. He held executive positions at Walt Disney World Resort, including Vice President of Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the Magic Kingdom. Dan was also a keynote speaker for the Disney Institute for 18 years.
In December 2023, Dan moved to Sydney and joined Torrens Global Education Services as Co-CEO. He was later appointed CEO of Think Education.
In June 2024, Dan was named an honorary Governor of the American Chamber of Commerce Australia (AmCham) in NSW.
Professor Alwyn Louw
Academic Director
Professor Alwyn Louw was appointed Academic Director of Think Education in January 2020 following a distinguished 20-year career in senior academic leadership and management experience. This included serving as President of the University and Academic President at Monash South Africa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Research at Vaal University of Technology (South Africa) and Vice Principal at the University of South Africa.
A sociologist by training, Professor Louw has published extensively on a broad range of issues including societal development, gender equity, civil society and community, future of education, new generation universities, research and innovation. Professor Louw is also highly regarded for his work in building new approaches to higher education by ensuring access to high-quality education for all through a deliberate focus shift to inclusivity and affordability.
Professor Louw has extensive private, civic and charitable sector experience including serving as Chair and Director of South Africa Private Higher Education, Chair of Board of Directors for Africa, Operation Mobilisation, President of South African Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chair Pro Christo Global Mission and Chair of Cancer Association in Kimberley (South Africa).
Professor Louw studied Sociology (BA Hons and Masters) at the University of the Free State (South Africa) and obtained his PhD in Sociology from Vista University (South Africa).
Ben Spoor
Chief of Staff
Ben is the Chief of Staff to the CEO at Think Education where he plays a pivotal role in aligning strategic priorities, streamlining executive operations, and driving high-impact initiatives that support the university’s mission and students.
He brings a unique blend of experience across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, with a strong track record of operational excellence, strategic execution, and leadership in complex, fast-paced environments.
Most recently, Ben served as Chief of Staff and Head of Business Operations at Space Machines Company, one of Australia's most exciting aerospace startups. In this role, he was instrumental in scaling the business through rapid team growth, establishing robust operational frameworks, and successfully uplifting financial systems and cybersecurity maturity.
Prior to his tenure at Space Machines Company, Ben held leadership roles at Uber, where he was responsible for improving delivery partner experience and safety, and at Nous Group, where he directed strategic consulting projects for universities, government, and global non-profits. He also serves as a Captain in the Australian Army Reserve.
Ben holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Sydney and a Diploma of Leadership and Management from the Australian Defence College. He is passionate about leveraging his diverse experience to support Think Education's growth and strategic initiatives.
Adam Guinea
Vice President, Finance – ANZ
Adam Guinea joined Think Education in September 2015 and was appointed to the position of Vice President, Finance-ANZ in July 2023, having previously served as Deputy CFO, Director of Finance-Planning & Analysis, and Director of Control. In his current role, Adam oversees Controllership, Commercial Finance, Planning & Analysis, Internal Controls, Accounts Payable & Procurement and Property & Facilities. Prior to joining Think Education, Adam held several senior finance roles in the UK and USA for financial services group Old Mutual, bringing significant experience and expertise in listed, multi-national environments. While grounding the focus of Finance in compliance, accuracy and efficiency, Adam is also passionate about being an effective partner to the business, providing insight, supporting decision-making and enabling the achievement of our mission.
Adam began his career in external audit at KPMG Australia, is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and holds a Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) from Queensland University of Technology.
Hugo Contente
Vice President People and Talent
Hugo Contente formally joined Think Education in February 2018, and brings a great deal of experience having previously led Student Services and Human Resources teams across Europe. Along with a great sense of humour, Hugo brings a naturally collaborative approach, a deep commitment to our mission, and an appreciation of balancing business needs with student outcomes.
Hugo joined Laureate International Universities in 2011 as HR Director for Portugal, he forged a successful career in HR consultancy, focused on a range of training and development initiatives. In 2014 Hugo moved to Madrid, where he led the Student Services Department for Spain and Portugal, before becoming Vice President, Human Resources in 2016. In early 2017, Hugo transitioned to the role of Organizational and Talent Development Director for Laureate across Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Asia Pacific.
Hugo holds a degree in psychology from Universidade de Lisboa, and an MBA from AESE / IESE – one of the leading business schools in Portugal.
Professor Mathew Mundy
Executive Dean Health and EducationMatthew joined Think Education in October 2022. He brings a breadth and depth of academic experience from his previous roles as Academic Director for Monash Online and Education Director for Psychology at Monash University. A cognitive neuroscientist by training, he has built an international reputation for expertise in human learning and memory; as well as in education-focused research of teaching and learning innovation.
Prof Mundy’s aim is to infuse research-driven change into tertiary teaching, through understanding of the psychological science behind learning and memory. He is particularly driven to ensure healthy mental health and wellbeing sit alongside effective and engaging learning ensuring high quality outcomes for all students. Prof Mundy studied Psychology and Neuroscience (BSc Hons, MSc) at the University of Liverpool (England) and obtained his PhD in Psychology from Cardiff University (Wales).
Professor Dominique Parrish
Deputy Academic Director
With a distinguished career in senior academic leadership positions, Professor Dominique Parrish was appointed Deputy Academic Director, at Think Education in October 2023.
Prior to her appointment, Professor Parrish served as Pro-Vice Chancellor Learning and Teaching at Macquarie University, Associate Dean (Education) and Director Learning, Teaching, and the Student Experience, at the University of Wollongong.
A highly qualified educationalist, Professor Parrish has over 35 years of experience designing and implementing programs, solutions, and initiatives to meet organisation, project, program, and curricula outcomes and deliverables. Her research interests include technology-enhanced learning, learning-oriented assessment, student experience and engagement, and leadership and emotional intelligence.
Professor Parrish has served as the President of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE) and was a Senior Editor of the Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice (JUTLP).
Rob McGowan
Vice President, Future Students and Growth
Rob McGowan was appointed Vice President International in April 2023, after previously holding the role of Senior Director of Industry and Employability.
Rob has extensive international experience in education, having been employed as Managing Director of Coventary University Recruitment and Admissions Ltd (CURA) in the UK. CURA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Coventry University Group, established by Rob in April 2019. CURA employed approximately 400 staff and delivered all customer engagement services for prospective and current students across the Coventry University Group. Rob was also Director of Sales (ANZ), Laureate International Universities until March 2019.
Rob holds a Bachelor of Science from Coventry University and an MBA from Torrens University Australia.
Anna Sutton
General Counsel
Anna Sutton joined Think Education as General Counsel in 2024 and is a member of the Executive team. She oversees all legal and corporate governance matters.
With extensive experience in governance and law in highly regulated industries and international environments, Anna previously served as General Counsel ANZ for Syngenta Group, a leading life sciences company, where she led the legal, ethics, and compliance functions. Prior to that, Anna spent six years as an expat in Singapore, in various legal roles covering the Asia Pacific region. Anna also contributes her expertise as a member of the School Council of Barker College.
Nicola Smith
Vice President, Student Experience
Nicola Smith joined Think Education as the new Vice President, Student Experience in April 2025.
Nicola brings a wealth of experience and deep passion for designing and delivering exceptional customer experiences. With a strong background in customer experience strategy, design thinking, insights and analytics, complaint resolution, and cultural transformation, Nicola has built and led cross-functional teams focused on improving people’s journeys through complex systems.
Prior to joining Think, Nicola held several senior positions leading experience functions at Aware Super, BT Financial Group, Westpac and Qantas and brings extensive leadership experience, commercial acumen, and a people-first mindset. Nicola oversees all Campus Operations and Student Services teams at Torrens University and is responsible for creating a highly personalised, empowering, and future-focused student experience at Torrens University.
Nicola began her career at KPMG Australia where she completed her Chartered Accountant qualifications and holds a Bachelor of Business from University of Technology Sydney.