Alumni Profile: Giles Gunesekera

Giles Gunesekera OAM is the Founder and CEO of Global Impact Initiative (GII), an organisation that designs and delivers bespoke impact investment solutions that generate both financial returns and measurable social outcomes. GII partners with sovereign wealth funds, pension plans, foundations and private sector institutions to align investment strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, across areas including affordable housing, Indigenous communities, gender equality, health and climate resilience

With over 30 years’ experience across financial services, business leadership and community development, Giles has consistently focused on integrating purpose into practice. His work in impact investing seeks to bridge the gap between capital and community, creating financial tools that serve people and planet without compromising commercial outcomes.

In 2023, Giles was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to social welfare and the community. He has also received recognition from Monash University for distinguished service to business and society. He was honoured with the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the University of Oxford for his creation of an innovative and sustainable business model that generates positive social impact. This recognition reflects the values of the Oxford community combining thought leadership with global responsibility and acknowledges the role that principled finance can play in shaping a more inclusive future

Giles holds advisory roles with the United Nations on Climate and Health, and Sustainable Finance, and serves on several not-for-profit boards spanning international aid, education, disability and the arts. He is currently completing a PhD in Impact Investing with a focus on affordable housing for Indigenous and marginalised communities, exploring scalable, values-based funding models to support systemic change.

Giles brings a cross-sector perspective shaped by lived experience and a commitment to inclusive development. He is passionate about using finance as a tool for equity and sustainability and sharing knowledge to encourage others to align their careers and decisions with purpose.