Executive team
Linda Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Linda joined Think Education as Chief Executive Officer in May 2013 after more than 23 years of management experience in the education sector in Australia and the United Kingdom. With a diverse background incorporating leadership in private, public, government, social enterprise, commercial and education sectors, Linda is internationally recognised as an innovative, strategic thinker with leadership skills to drive exceptional business performance, and is passionate about education and training for all. Prior to joining Think Education, Linda was Deputy Vice Chancellor and Director of TAFE at Swinburne University, Melbourne where she was responsible for maximising the dual sector advantage, driving the sustainability and social inclusion strategies across the University, and managing the TAFE Division.
Linda completed her Master of Science (Education Management) at Manchester Metropolitan University.
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).
Scott Luckett
Chief Financial Officer
Scott Luckett joined Think Education in 2015 after a series of financial leadership roles across the UK and Australia. Scott previously served as the CFO at Next Athleisure (parent of Glue Clothing and TopShop) and CFO at Retail Adventures. Prior to that, Scott spent six years as Regional Financial Director at Belron Group in the UK, the world’s largest carglass replacement company, operating as O’Briens in Australia. Scott was a Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers for ten years and brings to us expertise in leading large complex transactions, including acquisitions and IPOs, developing high performance finance teams and strategic transformation of the finance function.
In his current role, Scott oversees the finance function and leads all aspects including financial control, market and business insights, and planning and analysis. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science from Lancaster University.
Julie Craig
Vice President, Governance and Risk
Julie Craig joined Think Education in 2013 after building a successful career in education across Australia. Prior to joining Torrens University, Julie worked at Swinburne University as Director of New Ventures and Innovations where, in conjunction with SEEK Ltd, she established Online Education Services Pty Ltd, the Swinburne and SEEK Ltd private company, which provides Swinburne courses online. Before Swinburne, Julie was Assistant Deputy Vice Chancellor (Services) at the University of Newcastle and spent a number of years as a senior public servant in New Zealand.
In her current role, Julie leads all governance and risk advice, student administration as well as supporting the development and implementation of the Think Education 2025 vision and strategic planning.
Julie holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Victoria University of Wellington.
Hugo Contente
Vice President International, Senior Vice President International, Strategic Education, Inc.
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.
Jerome Casteigt
Chief Commercial Officer
Jerome was appointed the Chief Commercial Officer at Think Education in August 2019 after nearly ten years within the Hospitality faculty. In 2010, Jerome joined the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS) as the Sales and Marketing Director. In late 2015, Jerome moved into the role of General Manager of the Hospitality faculty at Think Education and in 2019 his role expanded again to encompass the Business faculty as well as the Marketing and Sales functions.
Jerome started his career in retail and FMCG, spending 10 years at Nestle Nespresso with a career progressing from Sales Manager UK, General Manager Australia, and then to Regional Director Europe. In 2008 he was made General Manager of Movenpick Ice Cream Australia (part of the Nestle group) launching the first franchise network within Nestle.
Kath Curry
General Manager Health & Education
Kath Curry joined Think Education as the General Manager of the Health faculty in 2015 after more than 30 years’ experience connecting people, ideas and practice in the education, health and government sectors. Kath has built a career as an innovative leader with integrity – from her first job as a nurse, through to her former role as Dean (VET College) at Victoria University. Kath has also made an impact in remote NT indigenous communities, in Melbourne’s western region and in international markets, and is actively engaged in the skills and policy spheres with published research including an NCVER commissioned study. In 2009, she led significant workforce changes, serving as an advisor to the Western Australian Public Sector Commissioner where 35 of her 39 recommendations were adopted.
Today, Kath is responsible for the direction of the Health & Education faculties and is focused on continuing to grow the faculties both nationally and internationally with a focus on securing partners, quality, governance and workforce development.
Kath holds a Master of Education from the University of New England.
Darryn Melrose
General Manager Design and Creative Technology
Darryn joined Think Education as General Manager Design and Creative Technology in January 2021, having previously served as GM Design and Creative Technology for Torrens University from 2016 - 2019 and Chief Executive of Media Design School (MDS) from 2013 – 2019. MDS is Think Education’s sister institution in New Zealand. Darryn has a strong background in the tertiary education sector in Australia, New Zealand and globally, previously serving as CEO of Whitecliffe College of Arts Design, Fashion and Technology and as a Board Director for Santa Fe University of Art and Design.
Outside of education, his breadth of experience spans financial services, FMCG, retail, marketing, telecommunications, and digital sectors. His accomplishments include founding the Digital Leadership Group, elevating AIM Proximity as the second best direct/digital marketing agency in the world in 2009, and leading the world’s first entry by a bank into the energy and telecommunications retail markets. He was also the creator and leader of GlobalPlus, the triple-alliance of Air New Zealand, Bank of New Zealand and Telecom.
Paul Brafield
Vice President Digital and Global Enterprise
Paul Brafield commenced in the role of Vice President Digital and Global Enterprise in March 2021. Previous to that, Paul was General Manager, Design & Creative Technology since January 2019 after more than 23 years of industry, academic, business and leadership experience in the design and creative technology sectors. Previously, Paul had been the Director of Product Innovation at Think Education, responsible for implementing product strategy and driving best practice in the online/digital learning experience Paul has a deep connection to Think Education’s Design and Creative Technology faculty, having worked in a number of key roles, including Program Director for Digital Media and Head of Learning and Teaching.
Prior to joining Think Education, Paul’s career in education encompasses international experience across Australia, New Zealand and the UK including Program Leader, Digital Media at Auckland University of Technology for nine years. He has also worked for The University of London where he implemented new work-integrated learning programs as well as managing programs geared towards part-time and evening access to education for non-traditional student groups at Birkbeck College. Alongside his career in education, Paul worked as a broadcast graphic designer and art director for a range of major television networks including TVNZ, CanWest and Sky, and also as a freelance designer and consultant on broadcast, film and web projects.
Paul holds a Master of Arts from the University of Auckland.
Bryce Ives
Vice President Communications and Public Affairs
Bryce Ives was appointed to the role of Vice President Communications & Public Affairs in February 2019. A passionate and creative storyteller and courageous community leader, Bryce has more than 16 years of industry, educational, business and leadership experience. He has an impeccable reputation as a facilitator and agent of change, with an abiding connection to community and industry engagement. Before joining Think Education Bryce has worked as a consultant, facilitator, creative director, broadcaster, media producer, artistic director, and community development specialist. He has a longstanding reputation as an advocate and champion of young Australians, particularly in rural and regional Australia, through his twelve-year involvement as Chief Facilitator of the ABC and Australian Government initiative Heywire, and in his integral role in the start-up phase of SYN Youth Media, Australia’s largest youth media organisation.
Bryce has been a trusted consultant and advisor to some of Australia’s leading organisations including the ABC, the National Farmers Federation, Telstra, VicHealth, AgriFutures Australia, the Foundation for Young Australians, Creative Victoria, Music Victoria, and internationally with the British Broadcasting Corporation. He has also taught at leading institutions, such as the Victorian College of the Arts, the Ballarat Arts Academy, the Monash University Academy of Performing Arts, and the Melbourne University Journalism School.
Bryce holds a Master of Fine Arts from the National Institute of Dramatic Art.
