W100 Representative
Larissa BaiocchiHead of Communications
Larissa Baiocchi is a senior communications leader with over 15 years of experience across journalism, higher education, and public affairs. Currently serving as Head of Communications at UNSW Sydney, she leads a team responsible for shaping the university’s public narrative, managing reputation, and driving strategic engagement with media, stakeholders, and the broader community.
Larissa began her career in the United States as a newspaper journalist, where she spent nearly a decade reporting on public interest stories and developing a sharp editorial instinct. This foundation in journalism informs her approach to storytelling—grounded in clarity, authenticity, and impact. Her transition into institutional communications has seen her lead high-profile campaigns, navigate complex reputational challenges, and build trusted relationships across sectors.
At UNSW, Larissa plays a key role in aligning communications with the university’s strategic priorities, amplifying research impact, and fostering meaningful public dialogue. Her leadership style is collaborative and values-led, empowering teams to deliver creative, responsive, and high-quality communications in a fast-changing media landscape.
Established in 1949 with a unique focus on the scientific, technological and professional disciplines, University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a leading Australian university committed to making a difference through pioneering research and preparing the next generation of talented global citizens for career success.
University of New South Wales (UNSW) has a proud tradition of sustained innovation, focusing on areas critical to our future – from climate change and renewable energies to lifesaving medical treatments and breakthrough technologies. In the social sciences, UNSW research informs policy and expert commentary in key issues facing society ranging from human rights and constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians to public health and population ageing.
UNSW offers an extensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs. We attract talented students from across Australia and around the world. Our 50,000-plus students come from 128 countries, making us one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan universities. Our emphasis on quality continues to push up entry standards with record demand from the State’s top school leavers.
The main UNSW campus is located on a 38 hectare site at Kensington, seven kilometres from the centre of Sydney. Other major campuses are Art & Design in Paddington and UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy.
Become a member
The World 100 Reputation Network is a group of the best universities in the world, delivering research that enhances reputation and offering leaders the chance to develop their own careers on a global stage. Members benefit from events and study tours, training, monthly media monitoring, and unique reputation research to provide institutional advantage.