Mr Young has over 20 years of experience in the higher education sector. He has served as Chief Executive (Vice-Chancellor) of the Australian National University and Swinburne University of Technology and has held senior academic and administrative roles at various tertiary institutions. He has also worked with boards in the education, government, and research sectors. He was Chair of the Group of Eight universities, VERNet, and Education Australia and has been a board member of the Australian Research Council, IDP Education, and Online Education Services.