SESSION OVERVIEW
Join us for an engaging session featuring two former student executives who have gone on to build remarkable careers beyond their tertiary institutions. They will share how their experiences in student leadership shaped their professional paths and reflect on the lasting impact of those formative years. The speakers will also express their gratitude to delegates for the vital role they play in empowering and inspiring future leaders.
PRESENTERS
James Hutchinson is Director of Faculty Operations (Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy) at University of Exeter and former Vice President of University of Plymouth Students’ Union.
As Director of Strategic Delivery Unit (SDU) James oversees the University’s major initiatives, bringing together governance and oversight with the capability to deliver change.
Between 2014 and 2017 James oversaw the largest change programme the University has undertaken in its recent history. The Transformation Programme initiated a new operating model for the University focussed on supporting the University’s ambition to enhance its global position and presence.
Prior to joining the Transformation team James was College Registrar for the University of Exeter Business School with overall leadership responsibility for the School’s Professional Services and £50m operating budget.
From 2008-2013 James was Chief Executive to the University of Exeter Students’ Guild. During this period James also served as non-Executive Director to NUS Services Ltd, a national purchasing consortium purchasing c. £100m of products and services for students’ unions throughout the UK.
Outside of work James serves as a trustee and non-Executive Director to EDP Drug and Alcohol Services; a charity based in the South West committed to reducing the harm caused by substance misuse and social exclusion through work with individuals, families and communities. James is also Chair of governor for the Duchy Primary School.
Vinnie Batten is the General Manager of Brisbane Table Tennis Association and formally President of QUT Guild.
He is focused on committing his time developing solutions to have a deep impact in creating a better world, using a rich experience in: leadership, environmental sustainability, campaigns, political strategy and complex strategic problem solving. He have spent time in a broad swathe of roles – specialising in politics, environmental non-profits, sports clubs & unions.
Vinnie is a Para table tennis athlete committed to the growth of disability in sports, and have seen success of his own including being Ranked #1 in QLD and winning a Bronze medal at the Australian National Championships. He is hands on growing the sport via the community-run club of Brisbane Table Tennis, focusing on promoting the life-long benefits of the highly inclusive & accessible sport.
Moving forward through life, Vinnie seeks to leverage his broad set of diverse skills to facilitate the potential of others as well as himself – to achieve deep impact in making the world more sustainable, and more representative & reflective of a future focused society.