Giles Gunesekera

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Giles is the Founder and CEO of Global Impact Initiative. Giles has over 30 years’ experience of building and developing teams and businesses for global organisations. Giles has held senior roles spanning recruiting, training, product, distribution and leadership.

His PhD research focus is impact investing, specialising in affordable housing and Indigenous communities, with a focus on social impact measurement aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In January 2023, Giles was awarded an Order of Australia medal (OAM) for his service to social welfare and to the community. In November 2023, he was awarded a Fellowship of Monash University for distinguished service to business and the community. Giles has received an Outstanding Alumnus award from Oxford for creating an innovative, sustainable business that generates positive social impact. Giles is an Industry Fellow at the Graduate Research School of the University of Technology, Sydney.

Giles has a unique blend of leadership and business skills gained in the corporate environment married with financial and governance skills gained in the Not-for-Profit sector. Giles holds numerous Volunteer Not-for-Profit Directorships ranging from International Aid, Human Rights, Climate Action, Disabilities, Education, Arts and Sports. Giles is on Advisory Boards for the United Nations for Climate & Health and Sustainable Finance.

Giles has formal academic qualifications from Oxford University, Melbourne University, Monash University and the Financial Services Institute of Australia. Giles is currently completing his PhD in Impact Investing with a focus on Affordable Housing and Indigenous Communities.

Experience

  • –present
    PhD Researcher in Impact Investing specialising in Affordable Housing and Indigenous Communities with a Focus on Social Impact Measurement Aligned with the UN SDGs, University of Technology Sydney
  • 2015–present
    Chief executive officer, Global Impact Initiative

Education

  • 2013 
    Oxford University, Advanced Management and Leadership Program
  • 2006 
    Financial Services Institute of Australia (formerly SIA), Masters in Applied Finance and Investment
  • 2000 
    Securities Inst. of Australia (SIA), Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment
  • 1998 
    Melbourne University, Certificate in Workplace Training
  • 1996 
    Monash University, Bachelor of Commerce (Strategic Management)

Professional Memberships

  • Fellow of the School of Social Entrepreneurs (SSE)
  • Fellow of the Australian Institute of Managers and Leaders (AIML)
  • Senior Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australia
  • Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)
  • Member of the Australian Institute of Training and Development (AITD)

Honours

Order of Australia

Contact Giles for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration
  • Research supervision