Bharat Guha Appointed New SIT Chief Executive

Southland Institute of Technology (SIT) has announced the appointment of Mr Bharat Guha as its new Chief Executive, with his term beginning on 1 January 2026. The newly formed SIT Council confirmed the decision following a competitive recruitment process that drew strong interest.

Council Chair Mr Rex Chapman said, “Bharat brings a wealth of experience in tertiary education and a genuine dedication to our community and to SIT. His leadership will help SIT empower every student to thrive in a world that’s always changing.” He also acknowledged the high calibre of applicants who applied for the role.

Mr Guha is currently the Chief Financial Officer at ILT, but he is no stranger to SIT. He previously held the roles of Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer at the institute, where he played a key role in the success of the Zero Fees Scheme. He was also instrumental in the development of SIT’s domestic and international markets.

Reflecting on his appointment, Mr Guha said, “I am humbled to be given this opportunity to lead SIT. Our priority is to ensure the Zero Fees Scheme continues, while delivering programmes that reflect both existing and emerging industries across Southland.”

He added, “SIT’s strength comes from its partnerships with iwi, industry and our vibrant community, and I’m committed to continuing to build these connections. We will also focus on expanding international education and embracing innovation and flexibility in programme delivery to position SIT as a leader in vocational education.”

Mr Guha's appointment marks a new chapter for SIT as it continues to support Southland learners while adapting to the evolving needs of industries both locally and internationally.