Executive Education experts

Dr Chris Vas

Organisational productivity, human capital, business and government

Dr Vas’ expertise lies in innovation and productivity policy, human capital development, industry trade policy through global value chains and public management issues.

Through the course of his professional experiences, he has designed and delivered leadership, strategy and management programs for public and private sector clients including Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Areva Energy, Maersk Ltd (Denmark), Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, Coca Cola and Vodafone.

Dr Vas can comment on business productivity, industry trade and global value chains. He is also an expert in organisational behaviour, human capital, public policy making and strategic future planning.

He is the Academic Director of Murdoch’s Executive Education Centre.

Dr Michael Connor

Program Manager

As Program Manager, Dr Connor is integral to the design and quality management of the programs and services that Murdoch Executive Education Centre offers.

Before joining Murdoch, Dr Connor has spent eight years in Singapore where he was Assistant Professor in the division of Strategy, Management and Organization at Nanyang Business School (NBS). In addition to teaching and research, he was active in consulting and executive coaching in a variety of industries and firms across the Asia-Pacific region. As Communications Director for NBS's Office for Executive Education, he developed a comprehensive understanding of executive and professional development.

Before going to Singapore, Dr Connor held positions as a lecturer at the University of Melbourne (where he earned his PhD), and at Deakin and Murdoch Universities. His background also includes roles as a professional editor, Communications Manager and Consultant, and Client Manager.

Karen Thompson

Manager - Open Programs, Workshops and Events

Karen works closely with the Program Manager and Operations Manager to ensure the successful delivery of the Open Programs, Workshops and Events at the Murdoch Executive Education Centre.

Karen loves meeting people and helping them shape their lives, careers and organisations. Previously WA State Manager of Aquent, the global marketing recruitment company, her diverse career also includes roles in media, property development, FMCG and engineering.

Karen holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing Management) from Murdoch University, is an Associate Fellow of the Australian Marketing Institute and a Certified Practising Marketer. In recent years she has been on advisory boards and committees for Curtin University and ECU. Karen regularly presents to organisations, industry associations and student groups on a variety of topics including career planning, social media, personal branding and relationship management.