Dr Warren Kukard has been appointed as the Acting Executive Director: Properties & Services at the UCT. In this role, he will provide strategic and operational leadership across the University’s infrastructure, maintenance, and service portfolios, supporting the delivery of safe, reliable, and sustainable campus operations.

Dr Kukard is a Registered Professional Electrical Engineer with over 20 years of experience in engineering, infrastructure, and energy systems across higher education and industry. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, a Master’s in Electrical Engineering, and is a Certified Energy Manager. His expertise includes energy infrastructure, asset management, and the integration of resilient and sustainable systems within complex environments.

He currently serves as Director: Maintenance and Operations at UCT, where he oversees maintenance services, infrastructure performance, utilities, compliance, and capital project delivery. His leadership has focused on strengthening the condition and reliability of UCT’s built environment through the implementation of a structured deferred maintenance strategy, prioritising critical infrastructure upgrades, improving lifecycle asset management, and ensuring alignment between maintenance planning and available funding.

Prior to joining UCT, Dr Kukard held engineering and leadership roles in both industry and academia. This includes his time at M-Tech Industrial, a spin-off company from NWU, where he worked on electrical infrastructure and energy efficiency projects within the mining and utilities sectors. He also held senior roles at Zest WEG Group, contributing to renewable energy strategy and electrical engineering services across Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, he served as a Senior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, supporting teaching, research, and curriculum development.

Dr Kukard brings a strong focus on operational excellence, sustainability, and continuous improvement, with a leadership approach that emphasises collaboration, accountability, and service delivery in support of the University community.