As Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, Jonathan Churchill leads the Digital Services organization at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). He advances the University’s digital and AI strategies, supports greater institutional and national impact, strengthens service delivery, and oversees KAUST’s artificial intelligence efforts as a key enabler of future performance, while establishing a clear and cohesive organizational approach to AI.

Jonathan brings extensive experience leading large technology and service teams across prestigious, research-intensive Australian universities. As a senior executive, he has a proven record of shaping and executing digital strategies that enhance teaching, learning, and research. He has consistently delivered step-change improvements in customer satisfaction, service efficiency, and operational excellence.

Known for building high-performing teams and driving cultural transformation, Jonathan has led initiatives that moved the University of Adelaide from last to first in national IT satisfaction rankings while achieving significant cost savings. His work has strengthened teaching, research, and the overall student experience, delivering measurable improvements in both satisfaction and efficiency, while aligning technology outcomes with institutional priorities.

Alongside senior leadership roles at the University of Adelaide, Jonathan has held executive positions at James Cook University and, most recently, the Australian National University. He has built and empowered high-performing teams, creating a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement, and has directed major transformation programs, including large-scale enterprise resource planning implementations and Agile change programs.

In addition, Jonathan has provided strategic leadership across multi-million-dollar initiatives and contributed at the executive level through university committees, ensuring that digital investments deliver sustained value and support long-term institutional goals.

He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management at the University of New South Wales, as well as a Master of Science by research from the University of Port Elizabeth and a bachelor of science degree with honors from Imperial College London.