Youth-focused digital education company Year13 has announced the appointment of several former Atlassian executives to senior leadership roles, marking a major step in its strategy to become a fully AI-native platform and expand into international markets.
Pirow Cronje has joined Year13 as Head of Operations. He brings a decade of experience at Atlassian, including leadership roles across financial planning, product strategy, and customer analytics. Cronje was involved in Atlassian’s IPO preparations and go-to-market planning. At Year13, he will oversee the company’s operations and support the integration of AI across its technology and commercial platforms.
‘AI-native platform’
Year13’s transformation into an AI-native platform is being led by a series of new initiatives designed to support young people navigating life after school.
Central to this strategy is the launch of “Career Coach”, an AI-powered tool offering personalised career guidance.
Developed in partnership with Microsoft and piloted in North Carolina, the tool draws on individual and labour market data to provide tailored recommendations. It is slated for rollout across Australia and internationally by 2025.
The platform’s AI capabilities are further reinforced by its collaboration with Microsoft and KPMG on the AI Amplified program, which introduces students to emerging technologies such as large language models.
Year 13’s AI Amplified Program
More than 10,000 modules have been completed since the program’s inception, with a target of 50,000 completions this year.
New appointments
“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,” said Will Stubley, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Year13.
Will Stubley, Year13 Co-Founder
Cronje’s appointment follows the recent onboarding of former Atlassian product and engineering leads Nick Menere and Mark “Chai” Chaimungkalanot.
The pair are leading Year13’s redevelopment of its digital tools, including an AI Agent program that offers students round-the-clock personalised support. The tool is currently in beta testing.
According to Stubley, the shift toward AI enables the company to build more agile systems and offer tailored services to students navigating post-school life. “AI allows us to catapult ideas further than we imagine. We can move faster, build smarter and personalise the support we provide,” he said.
Founded to support Australian students in their school-to-work transitions, Year13 combines digital learning tools, career guidance, and partnerships with education providers and employers. The company’s flagship products include its e-learning Academy and Virtual Work Experience programs.
“This is an essential time for us as we continue to enhance our tech solutions and expand our footprint into international markets,” Stubley added.