Whitecliffe Education Appoints Fay Amaral as Chief Executive for New Zealand and Australia

With over two decades of executive leadership experience, including a notable tenure as CEO in various sectors spanning education, film, retail, and media, Fay brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.

Fay's distinguished career includes pivotal positions with renowned brands such as VEGA, ADvTECH Ltd, Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, Sony, and the BBC. Notably, she has almost completed her PhD in Psychology at AUT, focusing on the transition challenges faced by school leavers entering tertiary studies or the workforce. Her dedication to academia was recognised in 2023 when she was awarded runner-up in the AUT 3 Minute Thesis competition.

Before joining Whitecliffe, Fay served as CEO of Youthtown, a national non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting young people in New Zealand/Aotearoa. During her tenure, Fay demonstrated remarkable leadership, further solidifying her commitment to educational initiatives.

Fay's passion for the tertiary education sector was ignited during her tenure as Managing Director of VEGA in 2013. VEGA, a leading private tertiary institution in South Africa, specialises in degree and master's programmes across various disciplines. Fay's strategic vision and leadership resulted in the expansion of VEGA, including the establishment of three new campuses and the introduction of innovative programmes.

Feroz Ali, Chairman of the Whitecliffe Education Group, expressed his enthusiasm for Fay's appointment, stating, "I am thrilled to welcome someone of Fay's calibre to our team in New Zealand. Her extensive experience and dedication to education align perfectly with our mission to provide high-quality learning opportunities. I am confident that Fay will play a pivotal role in expanding Whitecliffe's footprint into Australia."

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Fay has actively contributed to community initiatives, volunteering as a lay counselor for Lifeline and participating in various therapeutic programmes in South Africa. Since relocating to New Zealand in 2016 with her family, Fay has immersed herself in both her professional endeavors and family life. She is married to Paul and is a proud parent to three children, each pursuing their respective passions, alongside their beloved dog, Lila.

Fay Amaral's appointment marks an exciting chapter for Whitecliffe Education as the institution continues its commitment to excellence in education and innovation across the Australasia region.