Queensland University of Technology (QUT) executive director of marketing and communications, Xavier Amouroux, is stepping down from the post after a seven-year tenure to join the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane.

The experienced marketer been appointed as General Manager, Engagement & Advancement at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane, commencing the role on 6 January 2025.

The remit includes overseeing the Institute’s engagement, brand strategy, communications, and philanthropy efforts to strengthen its profile and support its mission.

QUT has now welcomed Lara McKay in the newly established role of Vice-President Engagement and Chief Marketing Officer. The university confirmed the newly formed role oversees a broad Engagement portfolio with responsibility for marketing, student recruitment, communications, government relations, alumni relations, partnerships and corporate and community engagement.

QUT said McKay commenced the role in November and will be considering the scope for the vacated Executive Director role into the new year.

Amouroux joined QUT as associate director of brand and digital marketing in May 2017 before becoming the CMO-equivalent in January 2019. Prior to this, he was based in France, working as head of brand, sponsorship and communications for Credit Agricole SA for three-and-a-half years.

His resume is dominated by roles in the financial services space across Europe, including stints with Bforbank, Le Credit Lyonnais, Sud-Ouest Mutualit, and Ambassade de France au Danemark.

In a LinkedIn post, Amouroux said: “I want to sincerely thank all my teams and colleagues, past and present, for the collaboration, support, and shared successes over the years. Together, we’ve achieved so much, and I’ll always carry fond memories of the wonderful people and teams I’ve had the privilege to work with.

“One highlight of this year was winning the Best University Marketing Campaign 2024 Award with the Marketing and Communication department-a testament to the incredible talent and teamwork and with VML teams in Brisbane.”

* With additional reporting by Nadia Cameron