Professor Frino said he was excited to be returning to UOW and the Illawarra, as the Australian economy transitions from its traditional reliance on mining and manufacturing to a services-driven economy with higher education a key export for the region.

“Nowhere is this transition more apparent than in the Illawarra where traditional export industries confront international challenges while theuniversity is poised to capitalise on the significant growth in international student numbers predicted to occur over the coming decade,” Professor Frino said.

Professor Frino’s has served as Chair of the University of Sydney’s US and Americas Expert Group Panel. He was a founding member of the US Studies Centre and a member of its International Academic Advisory Board.

In 2005 he won the prestigious Fullbright Senior Scholar Award from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in Washington DC. He has also worked as a visiting professor at universities in New Zealand, Italy, USA and the United Kingdom.

UOW Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings announced the appointment this week.

“Professor Frino has spent many years in his various roles forging deep international networks while promoting Australia as a centre of excellence in research and education,” Prof Wellings said.

“Professor Frino’s experience as a senior academic, and his understanding of the needs of major corporations, will play an integral part in his leadership of the Global Strategy portfolio at UOW.” 

Professor Frino will take up his new post on May 9.