About Neil

Neil Pharaoh, B Comm, LLB, GAICD, is a non-executive Director whose deep strategic insights, capabilities and governance skills are complemented by his diverse multi sector and industry board experience.

Dubbed a ‘firecracker’ by a recent client, Neil possesses a depth of experience across social purpose, government, public policy, and advocacy organisations. His expertise as a master of campaigning and government engagement means he is able to provide boards and organisations that operate in regulatory and legislative rich environments with deep insight.

Neil has developed and executed strategic frameworks, corporate social responsibility strategies and advocacy initiatives for a host of major international and Australian businesses. Having previously led teams for corporate affairs, business development and marketing, he has been behind many leading social policy and advocacy campaigns. His body of national and international development work includes education, equality, child welfare and philanthropy.

Neil was featured in the Deloitte ‘2018 Outstanding 50 LGBTI Leaders’ list. He is a founding director of Australian philanthropic group, GiveOUT, which supports projects and programs that benefit the LGBTIQ+ community.

In 2014 and 2018, Neil stood as the Labor candidate for Prahran, Victoria. He has previously served as National co-convener for Australian Rainbow Labor, where he co-led the internal campaign that achieved over 200 legislative and regulatory reforms, including changing the Australian Labor Party’s position on marriage equality.

Neil has a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing and Accounting) as well as a Bachelor of Laws from the Australian National University, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Neil has qualifications in Media Training, Project Management and has completed a Harvard University (Club Australia) Short Course on Executive Leadership.

Neil is proud of his culturally and linguistically diverse background, and of being a member of the LGBTIQ+ community. He brings these connections, strengths and diversity to every engagement.