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Meet the team at GCA and Universal Business School Sydney (UBSS), where our focus is on creating an environment conducive to learning, growth, and achievement for both students and staff. Comprised of a dynamic team of professionals, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, excellence, efficiency and effectiveness. As a vital cornerstone of UBSS, our various support departments are dedicated to optimising systems, refining processes, and ensuring the smooth operational flow that supports our vibrant academic community.
At UBSS, we recognise that our efforts directly impact the student experience. From managing resources and facilities to optimising administrative workflows, we aim to continually enhance the educational journey for all. Through collaborative initiatives and a focus on innovation, we strive to adapt to the evolving landscape of education, ensuring UBSS remains at the forefront of academic excellence whilst prioritising the holistic development and well-being of our students.
Wayne is the Academic Programs Director at Group Colleges Australia and a member of the UBSS Academic Board, Course Advisory Committee, and Chair of the Learning and Teaching Committee. With over 40 years of experience in senior finance roles, including Finance Director for Ernst & Young and the Bank of New Zealand in Australia, Wayne brings extensive expertise in financial services, insurance, manufacturing, and logistics, with significant Asia-Pacific experience in business acquisitions.
He holds an MBA, an accounting degree from Macquarie University, is a CPA, and a Chartered Manager with the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Institute of Managers and Leaders. Since 2008, Wayne has built a strong academic career, lecturing in business and finance at leading universities, including Sydney University, Western Sydney University, Charles Sturt University, Federation University, and Charles Darwin University.
Jason is the Chief Technology Officer at Group Colleges Australia (GCA), a role he has held since 2003. He has driven major technology transformations across the organisation, ensuring systems are secure, reliable, and cost-effective. Jason leads the IT Department, implementing innovative solutions for teaching and administration.
Key achievements include deploying interactive whiteboards and the Moodle Learning Management System in 2005, transitioning GCA’s IT infrastructure to Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2015 for scalability and flexibility, and enabling the shift to fully online learning in 2020 through advanced AV technology and Blackboard Collaborate.
Jason holds a Bachelor of Technology (Information and Communication Systems) from Macquarie University and is a member of the Australian Computer Society (ACS). With over 20 years of experience in IT systems, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and online learning, Jason continues to position GCA at the forefront of educational technology.
Professor Karmakar brings extensive global experience in teaching, research, and academic governance. He has held senior academic roles across leading institutions worldwide and currently serves as Professor of IT at Universal Business School, part of Group Colleges Australia.
Previously, Professor Karmakar was Visiting Professor of Information Systems at the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, and at the International College of Business and Technology, Colombo. His research career includes post-doctoral fellowships at renowned institutions such as the University of Kiel, DESY Hamburg, CERN Geneva, Argonne National Laboratory (USA), and ICTP under IAEA and UNESCO in Italy.
Passionate about student engagement, Professor Karmakar leverages his deep expertise to prepare future IT leaders with cutting-edge knowledge and practical insights. His commitment to academic excellence and global collaboration continues to shape innovative learning experiences.
Jotsana is the Academic Experience Manager and Campus Manager (Sydney) at Group Colleges Australia, where she chairs the Academic Integrity Committee and a member of the Executive Leadership Team. She is a professional member of the Institute of Managers and Leaders (IML) and the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
Holding multiple qualifications, including diplomas in Hospitality, Education, and Business Administration, a Master’s in Education, and postgraduate credentials in Higher Education Academic Practice and Business Administration, Jotsana is currently a PhD candidate at Federation University. Her research focuses on online learning and international student engagement, with published work on remote proctoring and student experience.
With extensive experience in academic leadership and operations, including roles at Navitas and as Head of Department, Jotsana specialises in governance, quality assurance, policy implementation, and online learning innovation.
Anushka Khatri is the Registrar and Campus Manager (Adelaide) at UBSS, responsible for admissions and academic administration to ensure smooth enrolment processes and compliance with institutional policies. With strong expertise in admissions management, she plays a key role in streamlining applications, managing academic records, and supporting operational efficiency.
Anushka holds an International MBA (Marketing) from the University of South Australia and brings over three years of experience in student recruitment, enrolment management, and compliance across vocational and higher education sectors.
Previously, as Campus Coordinator & Admissions Manager – International at Signet Institute of Australia, she managed international admissions, assessed credit transfers, and oversaw student onboarding. Known for her focus on process improvement, Anushka excels in optimising workflows, enhancing student support systems, and maintaining high academic standards. Her commitment ensures a positive student experience and contributes to institutional growth.
Melissa is the Academic Administration and Learning Resources Manager at UBSS, where she oversees academic operations, governance frameworks, and resource management to ensure compliance and efficiency. With over a decade of experience in higher education administration, compliance, and process improvement, she brings strong expertise in academic governance and operational leadership.
Previously, Melissa held senior roles at Le Cordon Bleu Australia, including Academic Services Unit Manager, where she managed academic administration, policy implementation, and regulatory compliance for higher education and vocational programs. Her career spans academic administration, financial operations, and business process improvement, with a proven track record in leading teams, streamlining workflows, and enhancing institutional governance.
Passionate about operational excellence and digital transformation, Melissa is committed to improving academic processes and supporting institutional success at UBSS.
Brooke Cramond-Darvall is the Course Development and Quality Manager at UBSS, with over a decade of experience in higher education leadership, curriculum design, and business consultancy. She holds qualifications in training and development, business administration, and is pursuing postgraduate research in education, blending academic expertise with industry insight.
Brooke oversees course quality, curriculum innovation, and strategic projects, serving on the GCA Academic Board, Curriculum Advisory Committee, Teaching and Learning Committee, and chair of the Moderation and Grades Committee. Her career includes academic leadership roles at TAFE NSW and Le Cordon Bleu, alongside 15 years as an entrepreneur, and 35 years in hospitality and consultancy.
Recognised for her learner-focused approach, Brooke has led major initiatives such as accreditation submissions, digital transformation, and workforce capability development. She lectures in Business Management disciplines, including Leadership, Strategic Management, and Marketing, and is an active member of AICD, AHRI, and AMI. Brooke continues to shape higher education through research and strategic innovation.
Caroline Rowe brings over 20 years of experience bridging academia and industry to her role as Campus Academic Lead at UBSS Adelaide. She teaches Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Strategic Management, and Databases in the MBA program, drawing on her extensive background in both university teaching and business consultancy.
Caroline holds a Master of Business by Research (Marketing) from the University of South Australia, where she previously held academic positions and led the development of MBA online learning initiatives. Her industry experience includes founding and selling a successful CRM consultancy to a global advertising company, and currently running Cookingjust4Me.com, an innovative online education platform. She has authored multiple publications including marketing textbooks and “The Power of Baking with Mindful Intent,” and created an ATOM award-winning web series and CBF grant-funded TV series for Community Television.
As a certified 4MAT instructional design consultant and founding tutor for ADMA’s Certificate in Direct Marketing, Caroline has significantly contributed to professional education nationally. She is passionate about sharing knowledge with adult learners and fostering stronger communities by emphasising the fusion of academic rigour and practical applications. Caroline creates inclusive learning environments that cater to diverse learning styles, bringing real-world perspectives to academic excellence.
George Lai is the Compliance Manager and Campus Manager (Melbourne) at Group Colleges Australia, bringing extensive expertise in law and accounting to his role. He joined GCA in 2024 and has over a decade of experience in education compliance across Australia and New Zealand.
George began his career as a Compliance Officer at Mizuho Corporate Bank before advancing to senior compliance roles in multi-sector education providers. His experience spans higher education (HE), vocational education and training (VET), ELICOS, foundation programs, and secondary education. He has worked closely with government bodies, consultants, and service providers at both Commonwealth and state levels.
Specialising in internal audits, regulatory compliance, and process improvement, George has successfully managed major projects, including provider re-registrations, CRICOS approvals, and course re-accreditations. His contributions have consistently achieved maximum registration periods without conditions. Outside work, George enjoys cycling, reading, learning languages, and cultivating roses.
Mack Meshkati combines corporate expertise with academic leadership to advance business education. With notable achievements at SAP and Toyota, he has also served as a senior lecturer at leading Australian universities, including Monash and Federation. His academic vision bridges industry practice with scholarly insight, enriching learning experiences for graduate and undergraduate students in Management and Marketing.
With over 15 years of teaching experience, Mack emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, and practical application of theory. Beyond teaching, he has contributed to curriculum design, quality assurance, and strategic initiatives across MBA programs, ensuring alignment with global standards.
A passionate advocate for international education, Mack frequently delivers seminars for international students on cross-cultural business dynamics and career development. His ability to foster inclusive learning environments and mentor diverse cohorts positions him as a trusted educator and thought leader, driving collaboration between academia and industry.
Maya El Sabbagh El Ramy is an Academic Coordinator and Lecturer with a unique blend of industry expertise and educational leadership.
With over 15 years as a senior regional brand manager for leading cosmetic brands, Maya drove major initiatives, including Mont Blanc’s UAE relaunch (2011) and introducing Nature Bissé to Gulf markets. Her strategic achievements earned her the Brand Management of the Year award (2012) and CPA Accounting Award (2020).
Her global outlook, shaped by professional training in France, Spain, and the USA, informs her approach to market analysis and cross-cultural leadership. Transitioning to higher education in 2022, Maya lectures across Business, Accounting, Fashion, and Retail, integrating academic rigor with commercial insight.
She holds an MBA (UBSS, 2024), a Bachelor of Accounting, and multiple diplomas in marketing, communication, and fashion. Maya is a member of CPA Australia, ACS, and the Institute of Managers and Leaders.
Wajeeha holds an MBA from UBSS and received the Gus Guthrie Award for the class of 2018. She also earned a Master’s in Business and Enterprise Resource Planning from Victoria University. She served as Lecturer and Business Development Lead at the University of Central Punjab, co-leading the Business School’s strategic plan, working with its accreditation team, and teaching Business Strategy, Planning, and Entrepreneurship.
She now works at UBSS as Academic Administration Coordinator (Postgraduate), supporting the Academic Programs Director with MBA-focused trimester planning and close collaboration with program directors and teaching staff to maintain teaching quality. She is Secretary of the Moderation and Grades Committee and the Academic Integrity Committee and continues to teach in undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Dr. Mrigakshi Das is an accomplished academician and researcher with six-plus years of teaching experience and nearly a decade of research expertise in the field of Business Management. She has been associated with several reputed colleges and universities around the world, where she has taught and mentored undergraduates, postgraduates, and doctoral students ranging from emerging scholars to seasoned professionals in the field of Business Management.
Her academic portfolio spans a diverse range of Business Management disciplines, with particular strengths in Accounting and Finance, Decarbonization and Sustainability, Strategic and Integrative Thinking, and Business Model Innovation.
Dr. Das has successfully supervised over 20 doctoral and master’s dissertations globally, guiding students through rigorous academic inquiry and practical research applications. Her doctoral research in Energy Sector Business Management laid the groundwork for her ongoing research projects, focusing on Business Sustainability, Decarbonization, and Innovative Business Models.
Dr. Das’s teaching philosophy integrates progressive, multidisciplinary, and experiential learning methods designed to inspire intellectual curiosity and professional excellence.
Beyond academia, she is passionate about reading and writing on diverse topics and enjoys traveling to explore new cultures and perspectives, as such experiences continuously enrich her teaching and research.
Dr. Amita Sharma is an experienced academic and researcher with over 15 years in academia and industry. She holds a Ph.D. in Management from ICFAI University, Dehradun, with research on e-learning service quality in higher education. Her expertise spans Marketing, Digital Marketing, HRM, and Strategic Management.
Currently, Dr. Sharma serves as Academic Credit Assessment Specialist and Lecturer at Universal Business School, Sydney, contributing to course development and student engagement through innovative teaching. She previously mentored in Digital Marketing at Peer Hub and spent nearly a decade at ICFAI University, earning Best Teacher Awards in 2019 and 2023.
Her corporate experience with Reliance Communications and Vodafone Essar enriches her teaching with practical insights. Dr. Sharma has published in ABDC-listed journals and presented at global conferences. A passionate educator, she emphasizes digital innovation, applied learning, and holistic student development.
Dr. Ziema Mushtaq is a dedicated academic, researcher and public speaker specialising in Software Engineering. She holds a PhD in Software Engineering and has established herself as a forward-thinking educator with extensive experience in teaching, research and academic leadership.
Currently serving as a lecturer at Universal Business School Sydney(UBSS). Dr Ziema bring over 8 years of teaching experience and 2 years of industry expertise. Her research interests include software effort estimation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and mobile application development. She has authored several SCI and Scopus-indexed research papers and contributed book chapters published by Taylor and Francis and IGI Global. Dr Ziema emphasises innovation, digital transformation and the integration of technology into education.
Dr. Shakil Ahmed Sufi (Dr Sufi S.A.) is an accomplished academic and researcher with extensive experience in higher education, research supervision, and institutional development. Known for his dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation, Dr. Sufi has contributed significantly to the fields of consumer behaviour, quantitative techniques, and marketing research. His research primarily focuses on trust, loyalty, and the evolving dynamics of consumer engagement within both public and private sector contexts.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Sufi has held various academic and administrative positions, demonstrating excellence in teaching, curriculum design, and research mentorship. He is deeply committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that bridge theory and practice, preparing students to excel in an increasingly competitive global environment.
Dr. Sufi’s professional philosophy centres on integrity, collaboration, and continuous learning. His scholarly work has been featured in reputed journals and conferences, and he actively participates in academic forums that promote evidence-based leadership and sustainable development.
Beyond academia, he has also collaborated with industry professionals and policymakers to align educational outcomes with real-world challenges. His contributions to curriculum modernisation and student-centred pedagogy reflect a vision for education that is globally relevant and socially responsible.
Ada commenced her tenure at Group Colleges Australia in April 2018, assuming the role of Financial Controller.
As an accomplished finance professional, Ada brings over 22 years of senior experience spanning diverse sectors, including external audit, transport, telecommunications, superannuation, insurance, financial services, and education.
Academically, she is a qualified CPA and holds a comprehensive suite of credentials, including a Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Finance Economics), a Master of Commerce in Funds Management, and a Graduate Diploma in Management (AGSM).
Ada has built her entire career in Australia since graduating, contributing a wealth of expertise across key financial domains. Her proficiency includes finance transformation, team development, process re-engineering, systems implementation, sophisticated budget and forecasting modeling, financial reporting, business case evaluation, and acquisition due diligence. She is a proven leader in driving financial excellence.
Michael serves as the Learning Resources Co-ordinator at UBSS, providing frontline support to students enrolled in the Online MBA program. In addition to his remote responsibilities, he provides on-site technical assistance at the Adelaide campus, ensuring smooth operations across both digital and physical learning environments.
With over a decade of experience in IT technical support, Michael brings a wealth of expertise to his role. He has worked extensively with online education providers, contributing in both customer service and technical capacities to enhance the student experience.
Before transitioning into the tech sector, Michael trained and worked as a professional chef for many years—a background that reflects his versatility and creative spirit. Outside of work, he is passionate about living history and enjoys exploring a wide range of artistic and scientific disciplines.
Muskanpreet has been the Student Services Officer at the UBSS Melbourne CBD Campus since 2023, where she provides exceptional support and guidance to the student body.
Bringing a robust educational foundation in medicine and science and extensive experience in the healthcare industry, Muskanpreet approaches her role with a strong blend of empathy, professionalism, and care. Her background in healthcare coordination and administration has honed her organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills, allowing her to thrive in dynamic environments.
Beyond her primary duties, Muskanpreet plays a critical role in campus safety, serving as the official Fire Warden and First Aid Officer. Her genuine passion for helping others is further demonstrated by her leadership of student support workshops during orientation, ensuring every student feels informed and welcomed. Muskanpreet’s commitment, reliability, and professionalism make her an invaluable member of the UBSS Melbourne community.
Nawid Martin is a dedicated Academic Duty Manager with a strong commitment to educational excellence and student success. With extensive experience in academic leadership, Nawid plays a key role in overseeing day-to-day academic operations, ensuring smooth delivery of programs, and maintaining high standards of teaching and learning. He is known for his collaborative approach, working closely with faculty, support staff, and students to foster a positive and productive learning environment. Passionate about empowering students and staff alike, Nawid is driven by a belief in the transformative power of education. His professionalism, integrity, and proactive leadership contribute significantly to the academic team’s success and to the student experience.
Nikki is our Academic Support and Administration Support Officer, based in Adelaide. She brings a wealth of experience as an education professional, with a strong background in marketing, admissions, student services, and vocational education and training (VET). Nikki is deeply committed to fostering student success and is known for delivering engaging, industry-relevant learning experiences and mentorship. Her approach is student-centred, ensuring that learners feel supported, empowered, and prepared for real-world challenges. In her current role, Nikki plays a pivotal role in supporting academic operations, streamlining administrative processes, and driving continuous improvement. She collaborates closely with faculty and staff to ensure students receive thorough support. Nikki’s dedication, expertise, and proactive mindset make her an invaluable asset to our team and a trusted advocate for excellence in education.
Group Colleges Australia (GCA) Pty Ltd trading as Universal Business School Sydney (UBSS), is a registered independent higher education provider with courses that are accredited by the Australian Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA).
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Street Address:
Level 10, 233 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
Postal Address:
Locked Bag A3100
Sydney South NSW 1235
Phone Number:
T: + 61 1300 422 422
F: + 61 2 9310 1548