An Australian online training company, dedicated to transitioning young people from school into work, is aiming to become 100 percent AI native by disrupting itself through a senior appointment.
Will Stubley, co-founder of Year 13, said the tech organisation was “doubling down” on becoming an AI native company and expanding globally, by adding a third former senior staffer of software giant Atlassian to its leadership group.
Mr Stubley said Pirow Cronje had been appointed Head of Operations and would lead the optimisation of Year13’s product, tech and commercial strategy.
He said Mr Cronje would draw on his 10 years of experience at Atlassian to “disrupt the company’s operations” and bring AI to the forefront.
“We’re thrilled to have Pirow join the team as we are reimagining the business to have an AI-first product stack and expand our offering into global markets.
“AI allows us to catapult ideas further than we imagine. We can move faster, build smarter and personalise the support we provide to truly meet students where they are and where the world’s heading.”
Mr Stubley said Mr Cronje spent nearly 10 years at Atlassian leading financial planning & analysis in Australia to support corporate planning, Jira product and R&D leadership in preparation for IPO.
“He went on to lead the implementation of various customer strategy initiatives, across analytics, program management, marketing and research teams.”
Mr Stubley said Mr Cronje followed in the footsteps of veteran Atlassian product and engineering alumni, Nick Menere and Mark “Chai” Chaimungkalanot, who joined Year 13 in 2023.
“Nick and Mark are heading up company-wide efforts to rebuild their entire suite of digital tools with AI at the core, including a new AI Agent program that provides students with 24/7, personalised support, at scale, which is currently in beta testing.
“Our mission is to be the default global platform that young people turn to support them through the journey from school, through tertiary and into work, and we can do that with AI.”
