Professor Clinton Free appointed as new Deputy Dean and Head of School
Professor Clinton Free will move into the role of Deputy Dean and Head of School having previously served as Academic Director, Executive Education at the University of Sydney Business School.
He brings to the role extensive experience in managing teams, flagship programs and research projects from his time as Professor of Accounting and Program Director for the Business School’s Global Executive MBA.
“It is a privilege to take a leadership role at the Business School during a time marked by uncertainty - but also opportunity,” Professor Free said.
“The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has been profound. The experience has reinforced the need for all organisations to be responsive and adaptable.
"In this time of disruption and change in the university sector, it is more important than ever to ensure that the Business School is set up to prosper into the future - so that it can continue to produce outstanding graduates, impactful research and engage in important societal debates.”
As Deputy Dean and Head of School, Professor Free will oversee the work of the Business School’s disciplines and academic research, resourcing, and development.
Clinton is a passionate advocate for business school education, and the synergy between world-class research, applied and experiential teaching, and long-term industry, government, and community partnerships.
Professor Free’s new appointment follows the announcement of Professor Suresh Cuganesan’s appointment to another new role within the Business School, Deputy Dean (Students and External Partnerships).
“I am looking forward to working alongside the Dean Greg Whitwell and Deputy Dean Suresh Cuganesan and an outstanding set of colleagues, students and alumni to deliver on the Business School’s vision – to inspire, inform and empower others to shape a better future for business and humanity.”
Professor Free received his doctorate from the University of Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. Before returning to Sydney, he served on faculties and taught MBA courses at three international universities: the University of Oxford (UK), Cornell University (USA), and Queen’s University (Canada).
Prior to joining the Business School, Professor Free was the Academic Director and Acting Director of the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM).
More recently, Professor Free’s research expertise in white collar crime has seen him featured regularly in Australian true crime podcasts including The Australian's Who the Hell is Hamish? and the Australian Financial Review's The Sure Thing.