Giles Gunesekera SF Fin, FSSE, FIML, MAITD

Chief Executive Officer, Global Impact Initiative

The Organisation - Global Impact Initiative

Global Impact Initiative (GII) creates Impact Investments; seeking both a positive financial return and a positive social impact for its clients and stakeholders. The business works with Sovereign wealth funds, central banks, insurance companies, corporations, pension plans, endowments, foundations, family offices, private banks and retail investors to create bespoke investment solutions in partnership with some of the world’s largest and most successful organisations. These strategies map the United Nations, Sustainable Development Goals. GII believes that a structured, systematic and results orientated approach leads to profitable and sustainable change. The business works under five key pillars of Gender Equality, Indigenous Communities, Health, Affordable Housing and Climate.

In September 2021, GII was announced (for the third year in a row) as one of the thirty-five (35) Global Compact LEAD companies, recognised for their high levels of engagement in the United Nations Global Compact.

Founder and CEO - Giles Gunesekera

Giles is the Founder and CEO of Global Impact Initiative. Giles has over 25 years’ experience of building and developing teams and businesses for global enterprises. Giles has held senior roles in the financial services industry spanning recruiting, training, product, distribution and leadership.

Giles has received an Outstanding Alumnus award from Oxford for creating an innovative, sustainable business that generates positive social impact. Giles is a Senior Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australia, Fellow of the School of Social Entrepreneurs, Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders, and Member of the Australian Institute of Training and Development. Giles is an Industry Fellow at the Business 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. He is an Advisory Board Member of the Securities and Investments Institute of Asia Pacific. Giles is a Director of ASX Listed Company Magnis Energy Technologies (MNS). The company's vision is to enable, support and accelerate the green energy transition critical for the adoption of Electric Mobility and Renewable Energy Storage.

Giles has formal academic qualifications from Oxford University, Melbourne University, Monash University and the Financial Services Institute of Australia.