Governance

Private capital strategist with 20+ years of experience unlocking deal flow across infrastructure, energy transition, and real assets in the Asia–Pacific corridor. As Partner at PwC Australia, I have built proprietary networks across government, family offices, and institutional capital, mobilising over AUD$7B through co-investment structures, bilateral initiatives, and sovereign-backed platforms. I specialise in identifying where capital sits and connecting it to investable assets by translating asset-level intelligence, geopolitical risk, and investment committee priorities across jurisdictions. As a trusted interface between capital partners and deal teams, I focus on building durable capital bridges that enable scalable platforms and cross-border investment growth. I am committed to advancing diversity in technology leadership and investment across the region.

Dr Shaleeza Sohail is an academic and researcher at the University of Newcastle, where she is a Program Convenor for the Master of Information Technology. She brings extensive experience in higher education, curriculum design, and research, with a strong commitment to embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion across both education and industry practice. Her research focuses on smart agriculture, wearable technologies, and responsible AI, with a strong emphasis on social impact, digital inclusion, and sustainability. Dr Sohail has led multi-institutional collaborations involving Australian and international partners, advancing projects that improve equitable access to technology for underrepresented communities. She has also been actively involved in initiatives to prepare students for careers in a global and diverse workforce, embedding reflective practice, ethical awareness, and cultural competence into IT education. Dr Sohail is passionate about creating opportunities for diverse voices in technology, promoting equitable participation, and fostering inclusive innovation ecosystems. She advocates for lifelong learning, industry-academic partnerships, and the role of technology in driving positive social change, particularly in rural and regional contexts.

Johnson graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws. During his time at university, Johnson was President and Board Member of the Financial Management Association of Australia (FMAA), the country's largest professional student organisation. Johnson's investment banking career began at Citi, where he advised on ASX-listed mergers and acquisitions, building complex leveraged buyout and merger models. Johnson then transitioned to Future Fund, Australia's $300bn+ sovereign wealth fund, where he was part of the private equity team managing a $30bn portfolio. In 2017, Johnson co-founded 2R Private Equity ("2R"), acquiring and holding businesses in established industries that lack technological, analytical and operational sophistication. Under Johnson's leadership as CEO, 2R has acquired and founded over 10 businesses to date. Johnson's hands-on experience in post-acquisition integration and operational improvements has been pivotal in the efficiency and pace of 2R's acquisitions. Outside of work, Johnson is passionate about health and fitness and has completed 4 Ironman triathlons and 9 marathons.

Luke Cuell brings over 15 years of strategic communications leadership across global technology, healthcare, and social impact sectors. With a career spanning Microsoft, HP Inc., Disney, and Cancer Council NSW, Luke has shaped initiatives that advance inclusion, drive cultural transformation, and amplify underrepresented voices. His work includes leading thought leadership campaigns on women in tech, scaling DEI initiatives globally, and delivering award-winning employee engagement programs. As a self-employed communications consultant, Luke has recently advised start-ups and major health institutions on embedding diversity, equity, and belonging into the fabric of organisational change. From launching internal talent marketplaces to designing values-driven messaging frameworks, he excels at aligning people and purpose. Passionate about the future of work and inclusive innovation, Luke joins the Council with a commitment to fostering meaningful change across Australia’s tech sector.