Mumbai, Maharashtra ,India, February 2026 — UWA India has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of David Das as Chief Operating Officer, marking a key milestone in the institution’s expansion and operational readiness in the Indian market.
In his new role, David Das will lead campus operations, governance frameworks, and execution strategy for UWA India, supporting the establishment and scaling of its upcoming campuses in Mumbai and Chennai. He will play a critical role in ensuring operational excellence, regulatory alignment, and a high-quality student and faculty experience as UWA brings its globally recognised academic standards to India.
David brings close to three decades of leadership experience across higher education operations, international education services, and campus management in India and Australia. Prior to joining UWA India, he was associated with Deakin University GIFT City Campus, India, where he served as Head of Campus Operations and later as Associate Director, Campus Operations, overseeing the establishment, administration, and operational scale-up of Deakin’s India presence at GIFT City.
Earlier, David held senior regional leadership roles at Deakin University, including Deputy Director (South Asia) and Associate Director (South Asia), based in New Delhi. In these roles, he led regional operations, partnerships, and institutional growth initiatives across South Asia, contributing significantly to Deakin’s international engagement and footprint in the region.
His earlier career includes operational and administrative leadership roles with IDP Education Australia and APESMA, where he developed deep expertise in education administration, stakeholder engagement, and service delivery within globally regulated education environments.
David’s appointment underscores UWA India’s focus on building a strong operational foundation as it advances its mission to deliver world-class Australian education in India.
About UWA India
UWA India represents a new phase of the University of Western Australia’s international growth, bringing its academic expertise and research capability to India’s leading urban centres. Backed by UGC approval, UWA will establish campuses in Mumbai and Chennai, offering undergraduate and master’s programs across STEM, Business, and Commerce, while maintaining the same academic standards and quality assurance frameworks as its Perth campus.
Read Also : When HR “Produces Nothing”: A Response to Jennifer Sey’s Anti-HR Vision
The Fine Balance: Navigating Work, Life, and Mental Wellbeing
Mind the Leadership Gap – From Learning to Real-World Impact
How the Adecco Group is empowering its employees for the future of work
