ITECA, Australia. Felix Pirie has started a new role as chief executive officer of the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA). Working as the deputy chief executive for policy & research at ITECA since 2019, Felix leads policy advocacy across skills training, higher education and international education. He champions independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and higher education providers, fostering productive relationships with regulators and industry groups in the domestic and international education context. With a government background in workplace relations, education and defence, Felix has driven reforms to improve student services and strengthen Australia’s international education sector. At ITECA, he balances support for the sustainability of independent providers and student protection with ensuring they can grow, innovate and support economic growth. Felix commented: “I look forward to leading active engagement on behalf of our members that delivers better outcomes for them during the current economic and regulatory challenges and geopolitical uncertainties.”