The Chief Operating Officer (COO) ensures University operations and services align with strategic goals and business needs. The COO is accountable for leading whole of University strategy planning and performance, operations planning, driving improved performance, governance, optimising value through scale, innovation and transformation, and for the effective allocation of University resources.
Katerina Kapobassis is the Vice-President (Administration and Finance) and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Melbourne. In this role she oversees the University’s day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment between operational strategies and organisational goals. She is responsible for a diverse portfolio that includes finance, property, technology and business services, legal and risk management, student and academic support services, research innovation and commercialisation, sustainability, operational performance and governance.
With over 20 years of experience in senior leadership and executive roles within the finance and higher education sectors, Katerina has a proven track record of collaborating with senior executives to align financial strategies with overall business objectives, optimising operational effectiveness, and leading cross-functional teams to success.
Katerina joined the University of Melbourne in 2010 and has held several senior financial leadership positions, most recently as the University’s Chief Financial Officer. She has been instrumental in leading the University through significant change and challenges, particularly during the global pandemic, and has played a pivotal role in steering the institution toward continued financial sustainability. A strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, Katerina is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence at the University and with key partners.
Before joining the University, Katerina honed her skills as a finance professional in key roles at Myer Holdings Limited, a public company operating several retail chains and Australia’s second-largest retailer. She holds a Bachelor of Business from RMIT, is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA Australia), and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). An experienced board professional, she currently serves as a Board Member for the Melbourne Theatre Company.