Dionne Higgins

Dionne is a results-driven Senior Executive equipped with a proven track record of growing and diversifying revenue streams in industries facing digital disruption and shifts in consumer behaviour or regulatory settings.

Her expansive multinational experience in both emerging and developed economies, combined with a keen understanding of global markets, enable Dionne to navigate complex matrix environments across global and regional leadership roles.

Dionne has significant higher education sector experience, including most recently as COO and Interim Vice Chancellor of RMIT, a leading Victorian higher education institution.

Dionne’s experience includes as COO of London-listed publishing and education company, Pearson Plc, and Executive-level roles at the Financial Times and Penguin Group.

Experience

• In response to dual sector University COVID business disruption, delivered $300m in savings (OPEX and CAPEX) generated through operating model redesign, cost reduction initiatives, divestment of non-core businesses and asset sales.
• Led multiple large scale global business transformation of corporate service functions, spanning technology, outsourcing and service design in publicly listed, and not-for-profit entities. 
• Developed and led crisis management spanning pandemic response, natural disasters and security threats.
• Accountable executive officer for effective risk management design and improvement in a regulated industry.
• Accelerated the path to carbon neutrality in a large complex organisation, through a multi-year change program, community leadership and targeted investments in core infrastructure.