Stuart is an exceptional leader, who brings to ESA more than 25 years of experience supporting education systems, schools, educators, and learners through innovative enterprise technology solutions across the commercial, government, and not-for-profit sectors. He has served as both Acting CEO and Chief Technology Officer at ESA, where he has demonstrated a deep commitment to the organisation’s vision, mission, and values, and a proven ability to lead large-scale, high-impact programmes in complex, multi-jurisdictional environments.
Stuart’s leadership is characterised by trust, integrity, and a collaborative, solutions-focused approach. He has a strong record of building high-performing teams and delivering complex projects on time and within scope. As Acting CEO and previously as CTO and General Manager, Assessment Systems & Data Standards, Stuart has overseen the delivery of the Online National Assessment Platform supporting the transition of NAPLAN to an online environment and ensuring the secure, efficient, and equitable delivery of more than 4.5 million tests annually to 1.3 million students.
Stuart’s achievements at ESA to date include driving positive cultural and operational change, developing leaders, and fostering a culture of responsibility, respect, and accountability. He has played a pivotal role in establishing the National Education Digital Advisory Group (NEDAG), nurturing national collaboration and advocacy, and leading the development of innovative frameworks such as the Safer Technologies for Schools (ST4S) program and the national standards framework for assessing safe and ethical AI-enhanced education technology.
Prior to ESA, whilst working with commercial technology companies, Stuart worked collaboratively with stakeholders and industry partners locally and globally to design, create and implement innovative solutions, leveraging technology to transform teaching and learning in education settings.
In previous CTO and Product Director roles Stuart has also brought visionary education applications from concepts to international market success.
Stuart holds a Graduate Diploma in Applied Media from Swinburne University of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature from Monash University. He is recognised for his strategic vision, financial stewardship, and ability to lead ESA through emerging challenges, including changes to the national assessment framework and the evolving education technology landscape.
We are delighted to welcome Stuart to the role of Chief Executive Officer, and we are confident his leadership will further strengthen ESA’s contribution to the education sector and its positive impact on learners and educators nationwide. Please join us in congratulating Stuart on his appointment.
Vicki Baylis, Board Chair.
