As featured in APAC Insider's Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2026 publication.

Matthew Willie is the founder and CEO of both 9X5 Consulting and Education360. Helping transform organisations through the power of technology, Matthew recognises how important it is for businesses today to secure a proficient IT partner, and this is exactly what he strives to deliver through his companies. Recognised with two awards for his work in the education sector, he shared more about his roles and responsibilities with APAC Insider.

Two Companies, One Purpose

Based in Melbourne, 9X5 Consulting builds purpose-driven, tech-based solutions designed to transform lives, blending technology, process and people through an open and trust-based approach. A 100% Australian-owned company, it offers services spanning software, IT support, project management, digital architecture, and strategy and advisory work.

That same people-centred approach extends to Education360, a 100% Australian-owned education technology platform powered by 9X5 Consulting and built specifically for Australian schools. Education360 exists to foster data-driven decision making, helping educators spend less time on administrative work and more time building bright futures for their students, by bridging the gaps between internal and external systems and eliminating the inefficiencies of fragmented data management.

From the Commodore 64 to the C-Suite

Matthew has long been interested in technology, dating back to his high school days with the Commodore 64. After completing a Bachelor's in Business Computing, he secured his first role with Hewlett-Packard, starting on the helpdesk before quickly moving into programming — the first of many technology roles across numerous companies, progressing through management and partner positions into heading up sales and strategy.

Building 9X5 Consulting

After more than 25 years working for others, Matthew decided to go into business for himself, bringing together everything he'd learned to close the gaps he saw in how consulting services were typically delivered.

“I believed there was an opportunity to build a company that combined strong technical capability with a practical, client outcome-focused approach.”

Matthew Willie, Founder and CEO, 9X5 Consulting and Education360

Matthew leads 9X5 Consulting with a combination of strategic oversight and hands-on involvement, staying close to the company's financial performance and overall direction while remaining actively involved with the development teams driving new initiatives on Education360 — shaping product direction, discussing new features, and keeping the platform aligned with clients' real-world needs.

Strengthening Compliance with NCCD360

As schools face increasing expectations around data and compliance, Education360 has recently invested in its NCCD360 pillar, which has quickly become a leading NCCD compliance software solution for schools in Australia.

Looking ahead, the long-term vision for Education360 is to cement itself as one of the most comprehensive data platforms available, in Australia and globally, guided by the philosophy that technology should solve real problems and deliver measurable outcomes.

A Team Effort

In accepting these awards, Matthew was quick to thank those around him for the contributions they've made to both companies.

“While this recognition is individual, it reflects the collective effort of a highly capable and dedicated team.”

Matthew Willie, Founder and CEO, 9X5 Consulting and Education360

He credits the success of the business, and the ongoing growth of Education360, to a team committed to delivering high-quality outcomes and continuously improving what they do.