Neil joined The Elders in November 2025 as Director of Programmes and Deputy CEO. He heads the team supporting the Elders’ policy engagement and strategic planning.

Neil’s previous career includes roles in the UN, including in the Secretary-General’s office; in the UK’s Department for International Development and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; and as Head of Policy at Wilton Park, a UK Government centre dedicated to dialogue on international issues. He has degrees from Cambridge, Yale and Oxford Universities, including a doctorate in International Relations.

Neil and his wife have two adult children and live in Kent. At weekends, Neil can be found training with Bewl Bridge Rowing Club, trying – sometimes successfully – not to drench his crewmates.