Leadership & Governance
A team of industry experts guiding SIPBN’s strategic vision and global business growth.

Roderick H. McGeoch AO
Rod McGeoch has had and continues to enjoy a remarkable career at the forefront of business, sports administration and the legal profession. He unites exemplary senior level management experience with an unparalleled commitment to achievement. Perhaps best known as the leader of Sydney’s successful Olympics 2000 bid, he is Chairman or Director of a wide range of major corporations and past Chairman of Corrs Chambers Westgarth, one of Australia’s largest law firms.
He was described in an ABN AMRO report as one of Australasia’s most influential Directors. His appointments include Chairman of Chubb Insurance Australia Limited, and Vantage Private Equity Growth Limited. He is a Consultant of the Group Board of Corporation America and a Director of Corporacion America International S.a.r.l, and Corporacion America Airports S.A.
He is Chairman of Australasian Media Co, a member of the Board of Destination NSW. He Chairman of SureVision and APP Corporation Pty Ltd. He completed lengthy terms as a Director of Ramsay Health Care Limited, Chairman of Skycity Entertainment Group Ltd and Mediaworks Ltd two major New Zealand companies and continues that connection as Honorary Chairman of the Trans-Tasman Business Circle and immediate Past Chairman of the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum.
He is a Trustee and Deputy Chairman of the Sydney Cricket Ground & Sports Ground Trust. He is a past President of the Law Society of NSW and a Member of the Order of Australia, awarded in recognition of his invaluable services to the legal profession. On 26 January 2013 Mr McGeoch became an Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of his “distinguished service to the community through contributions to a range of organisations and to sport.” In 2014 Mr McGeoch was appointed Honorary Consul of Luxembourg in Australia. He completed his term of office in April 2021.

Stephen Harrison B.Ec
Stephen has over 30 years of experience in the financial services, funds management, M&A, private equity and accounting fields. He primarily focused on the energy, technology, IT services, infrastructure, financial services, entertainment and natural resource sectors. He has held Directorships with international Fund Managers subsidiaries, Investec Funds Management and the Australian subsidiary of US-based fund manager Sanford C. Bernstein. He has been a founder and held Directorships in a number of Unlisted and Listed companies both in Australia and internationally.
He is currently Chairman of two Public Companies in Australia, NobleOak Life Limited and IncentiaPay Limited (ASX – INP)

Dianne Tipping
Dianne has enjoyed a long and varied career in international trade promotion and facilitation. Dianne has been Chair of the Export Council of Australia for 6 years.
She is a commercially astute senior leader with a proven track record within the trade community. With over 40 years’ experience and a background in both the business ownership and project management of greenfield projects is helping guide the growth of Australian trade by serving on several Boards and sharing critical knowledge and insights.
Dianne is involved with many public and private organisations dedicated to the betterment of international trade as well as a participant on numerous Government and Non-Government Committees including the Dept. of Home Affairs’ National Committee on Trade Facilitation and the Dept. of Agriculture and Water Resources’ DAWR Cargo Consultative Committee.

Sarah Fairhurst
Sarah Fairhurst holds multiple Board roles as a Non-Executive Director across four energy sector companies and has recently served on the Advisory Board of an ESG services firm. With a career spanning the UK, Asia, and Australia, she brings deep expertise in electricity and gas markets, as well as a nuanced understanding of regional cultural and regulatory complexities.
A key highlight of Sarah’s executive journey is co-founding The Lantau Group (TLG) in 2010 — a boutique energy economics and strategy advisory firm. She is known for her strategic insight, commercial acumen, and analytical rigor, paired with practical, cross-border experience. Sarah excels in addressing complex energy challenges with a blend of pragmatism and innovation.

Malcolm Edwards
Malcolm Edwards is a seasoned company director with a strong focus on industry development and venture capital. He currently serves on the boards of several private enterprises and community organizations, including the Commercial Education Society of Australia. His previous board roles include Royal Far West Children’s Hospital, the National Drug and Alcohol Authority, and he was the inaugural National Vice President of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Malcolm's extensive corporate background includes serving as Managing Director of ASX-listed companies and holding public company board positions both in Australia and internationally. He brings decades of leadership, governance, and strategic expertise across sectors.

Tanya Raffoul
Tanya Raffoul joins the SIPBN Advisory Board with a formidable background in government, law, and business. With more than 15 years of experience across senior roles in the NSW Government, the legal profession and major not-for-profits, Tanya is widely respected for her political intelligence, legal acumen, and sharp business judgment. During her time in Government, Tanya steered complex strategies in national and global sectors ranging from health, transport to infrastructure and veterans’ affairs.
Tanya is also an elected Councillor for the City of Parramatta and a Committee Member for PCYC Parramatta. Tanya’s addition strengthens SIPBN’s capacity to guide business leaders through a fast-moving and increasingly global economic and policy landscape.

Raman Bhalla
Raman Bhalla is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Sydney Investors, Professionals and Business Networking Group Incorporated (SIPBN). SIPBN was set up in 2021.
Raman has extensive contacts in the private equity, debt, venture capital, family offices arenas as well as within high-net-worth individuals in Australia and overseas markets.
Previously, Raman worked with several Australian and Global investment banks in senior executive management roles. He has previously assisted clients to raise capital through public offerings, private equity, venture capital, debt instruments, cross border transactions and mergers/ acquisitions.
Raman is passionate about building businesses and facilitating international trade, business, and investment. His extensive international business, professional and political network reach includes Australia, India, Middle East, the US, Israel, Hong Kong and China.
Raman also acts as Non-Executive Director for private companies, start-up enterprises, companies in growth phase and not-for-profit organizations and adds significant value for stakeholders. He is focused on helping Australian businesses grow and become successful.
Raman completed his executive education at Harvard Business School in Private Equity and Venture Capital. He is a Chartered Accountant, FCPA, CIMA and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Jay Raman (OAM)
Jay Raman founded and set up Sri Om Foundation an aged care and Disability services organisation and is currently the Vice President of Sri Om Foundation.
Guruswamy is the recipient of an Order of Australia Medal – the highest civilian award in Australia, for his services and contributions to the aged care sector. He has been also associated, in various capacities, with Auburn Diversity Services Inc (Auburn Migrant Resource Centre) which helps with the settlement of new migrants and refugees in Australia.
Guruswamy has a Masters of Science degree , is a Graduate Associate from Institute of Company Directors, Australia and has a Graduate Diploma in Aged Care from UNSW, Sydney

George Bilic
George Bilic is the Government Relations Analyst and a Director of Sydney Investors, Professionals and Business Networking Group Incorporated (SIPBN).
George has focused his career primarily in the General Insurance Industry. Since 2010 he has worked as a licenced Factual Investigator specialising in injury cases including workers compensation, compulsory third party and public liability.
George acts as a Company Secretary for an aged-care facility in Sydney where he has also served as a director on the Board.
George has established networks in public affairs, having been elected and served two terms as a Local Government Councillor at Blacktown City Council where he gained invaluable experience in advocacy, governance and budgeting processes as well as an understanding of relations between Federal State and Local Governments. His hobbies include community work, politics, golf, table tennis, Gregorian Chant and road travel.
George is keen to utilise his analytical, relationship building and report writing skills to benefit Investors as they explore and realise the many and varied commercial opportunities in Australia.

Sanjiv Bhalla
Sanjiv Bhalla is the Treasurer and an Executive Board member of Sydney Investors, Professionals and Business Networking Group Incorporated (SIPBN).
Sanjiv is the co-founder of RSB Hexagon which is a multi-disciplinary financial services firm providing services in business advisory, accounting, tax, financing, real estate investments and wealth management.
Trevor currently holds the position of Executive Director of Kids West Children’s Charity, President of the Chamber Alliance of Western Sydney, Chairman of the Greater Blacktown Business Chamber and President of NBC Sports Club.
Sanjiv has in-depth understanding of the mortgage, home loans and real estate markets in Australia. He excels in providing customised solutions to his clients to build wealth in real estate by providing financing as well as locating the right real estate for clients.
Prior to founding RSB Hexagon, Sanjiv worked as financial controller for a leading financial services company in Sydney. Sanjiv is a Chartered Accountant, CPA and holds Master of Commerce degree.
Sanjiv is very active in social arena in Sydney and is involved in organising various community events. His hobbies include travel, badminton, and movies.

Sarah Morgan
Sarah is a dynamic entrepreneur and CEO of #CapTech2024, specializing in guiding SME organizations through strategic business development and leadership enhancement. With accreditations in psychometrics, emotional quotient, and motivational techniques, Sarah brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. She is a certified Board Facilitator, Neurolinguistics Practitioner, and Time-Line Therapist, reflecting her commitment to holistic business growth.
As the Founder of Influential Leaders Academy, Co-founder of Deep Neuro Analytics and founding Board member Fair Fight Foundation, Sarah is deeply entrenched in the world of entrepreneurship and business advancement. She understands that scaling a venture requires more than just a vision—it demands a comprehensive strategy, access to funding, invaluable advice, and a strong network.
Drawing from over a decade of entrepreneurial experience, Sarah has navigated the complexities of scaling ventures firsthand. She has guided numerous entrepreneurs through this process, leveraging her extensive network and expertise to secure funding opportunities and foster collaborations.

Dean Kilby
Educated in biochemistry and microbiology, Dean graduated with first class honours in biotechnology and undertook subsequent post-graduate training in molecular medicine. His scientific and clinical experience has since spanned the pharmaceutical industry, medical communication, and scientific consulting from metabolic disease to regenerative medicine – both in Australia and internationally.
Further to this, Dean has extensive experience in transformational performance coaching and has been a leading trainer across the ANZ region for almost 15 years. He founded Simplr Health with a commitment to contribute the possibility of being well to big people with big lives.

Ozge Fettahlioglu
Ozge Fettahlioglu is an interior design enthusiast, dedicated renovation expert, and academic, teaching at prestigious Sydney universities. Her journey in the world of design is guided by a passion to elevate lives by elevating their surroundings. She believes in custom creations to get the best results, where homes truly sing the right song.
Her forte lies in uncovering creative, personalised solutions for interior design, renovation or property sales challenges, ensuring that your dream design becomes a living reality while staying within budget.
At the core of her design philosophy is a commitment to timeless elegance over fleeting trends. She ardently advocates for investing in quality, crafting interiors that stand the test of time and hold sentimental value, destined to be cherished by generations to come.
She firmly believes that a home should be a mirror reflecting its inhabitants, echoing their personalities, lifestyles, and stories, rather than merely conforming to passing trends or glossy magazine covers. As an academic, she draws on scientifically researched design principles to curate environments that empower you and your family to flourish and create the future you desire.
With a deep dedication to creating spaces that resonate with your senses and aspirations, she guides you on a transformative design journey. To make your dream home a reality, where every element harmoniously contributes to your unique living experience.
Professional Memberships: Masterbuilders, Women Building Australia, WIDAC - Women in Design and Construction, Head of Interior Design and Renovation Committee SIPBN, Design Matters National.

Nikhil Nigam
Nikhil Nigam embarked on his professional journey as a Computer Science Engineer, where his passion for technology first blossomed. Beginning as a software developer, he quickly gained recognition for his technical prowess and innovative problem-solving, crafting software solutions that not only met client needs but also anticipated technological advancements.
Eager to combine his technical expertise with business strategy, Nikhil transitioned into sales, specializing in AI products within the APAC market. Over the years, he evolved from a technology specialist into a strategic sales leader, guiding organizations in embracing cutting-edge AI solutions. His deep understanding of technology, paired with sharp market insights, has consistently driven growth and delivered significant value to clients across diverse industries.
Nikhil is deeply committed to the transformative potential of technology in business. He believes in the power of strategic relationships, fostered through purposeful networking, to unlock opportunities and inspire innovation. As a sales leader, Nikhil leverages his expansive network to connect people, ideas, and opportunities, enabling businesses to flourish in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Today, he remains at the forefront of innovation, focused on driving growth and creating lasting impact across the APAC region.

Roderick H. McGeoch AO, LLB
Rod McGeoch has had and continues to enjoy a remarkable career at the forefront of business, sports administration and the legal profession.
He unites exemplary senior level management experience with an unparalleled commitment to achievement. Perhaps best known as the leader of Sydney’s successful Olympics 2000 bid, he is Chairman or Director of a wide range of major corporations and past Chairman of Corrs Chambers Westgarth, one of Australia’s largest law firms.
He was described in an ABN AMRO report as one of Australasia’s most influential Directors. His appointments include Chairman of Chubb Insurance Australia Limited, and Vantage Private Equity Growth Limited. He is a Consultant of the Group Board of Corporation America and a Director of Corporacion America International S.a.r.l, and Corporacion America Airports S.A. He is Chairman of Australasian Media Co, a member of the Board of Destination NSW. He Chairman of SureVision and APP Corporation Pty Ltd.
He completed lengthy terms as a Director of Ramsay Health Care Limited, Chairman of Skycity Entertainment Group Ltd and Mediaworks Ltd two major New Zealand companies and continues that connection as Honorary Chairman of the Trans-Tasman Business Circle and immediate Past Chairman of the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum. He is a Trustee and Deputy Chairman of the Sydney Cricket Ground & Sports Ground Trust.
He is a past President of the Law Society of NSW and a Member of the Order of Australia, awarded in recognition of his invaluable services to the legal profession. On 26 January 2013 Mr McGeoch became an Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of his “distinguished service to the community through contributions to a range of organisations and to sport.”
In 2014 Mr McGeoch was appointed Honorary Consul of Luxembourg in Australia. He completed his term of office in April 2021.

Dr Joseph Rizk AM
Joseph Rizk AM is the CEO & Managing Director of Arab Bank Australia has been Managing Director since 22 December 2010. Prior to his appointment as Managing Director, Joseph held the position of Chief Banking Officer for over five years, overseeing the retail, commercial and trade banking operations as well as its branch network, and being responsible for all revenue generating arms of the Bank. Joseph has over 45 years of corporate, commercial and international banking and finance experience along with extensive experience across the banking spectrum with the ability to generate positive results in the face of tough market conditions and in an increasingly competitive business environment.
Prior to joining Arab Bank Australia, Joseph worked predominantly for the National Australia Bank in a senior executive capacity, leading and managing a series of large business units in Sydney and NSW and headed up the NAB’s NSW & ACT Property Finance Groups.
Joseph is a member of (MAICD) The Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is also a fellow of (AIM) The Australian Institute of Management. Joseph has been a Director of the Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce since 2007. In 2007 to 2014 was President of the (WMRF) Westmead Medical Research Foundation. In May 2015 Joseph was nominated the Chairman of the (IOFA) Italian Opera Foundation Association.
Joseph was also nominated in 2015 the Director for the (WMI) Westmead Millennium Institute for Medical Research. On Monday 8th June 2015 (Queens’ Birthday) – Joseph was awarded the ‘Order of Australia’ the Award has been given to Joseph in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the banking sector and community.
In January 2016 Joseph became Board member of (AACCI) Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry. In October 2020 Joseph became Board Director of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy Corporation. In July 2021 Joseph became a member of the Powerhouse Capital Campaign Committee. On Wednesday 26 January 2022 – Australia Day. Member of the Order of Australia Honours, AM announcement. Joseph was recognised for his significant service to the not- for- profit sector, and to banking and commerce.
In October 2022 Joseph became Director of the James Martin Institute (JMI) for Public Policy. On Wednesday 14 December 2022 Joe was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Western Sydney University.

Sally Loane AM
Sally Loane is a Chair, Non-Executive Director, business leader and former journalist and broadcaster.
Chair of Destination NSW and Ignition Advice, she is also sits on the board of Chubb Insurance Australia and the Garvan Medical Research Foundation. She is a member of the Advisory Board of consulting firm Orizontas and a mentor with McCarthy Mentoring.
From 2014-2021 Sally was the CEO of the Financial Services Council, the peak industry organisation for financial services, members of which included global and domestic fund managers, retail superannuation funds, advice licensees and life insurers.
Sally was the first female Director of Waratahs Rugby in its 135-year history (2010-2017), and is a former Director of Venues NSW, SCEGGS Darlinghurst, and PanKind.
Sally’s passion is women’s financial independence and economic security, and to this end has utilised her experience in financial services policy development, mentoring (Minerva Network; Super Stars of STEM) and has advised government via corporate advisory boards.
She has had a long history of service to the community and charity sectors, currently as a Trustee of the ANZAC Memorial Building in NSW, Governor of the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation, Ambassador for Business Events Sydney, a member of Chief Executive Women, patron of Lou’s Place and member of the Nominations Committee for Sydney University Sport and Fitness Ltd. Sally chaired the Salvation Army’s Sydney East Doorknock Appeal (2008-2011) and was Deputy Chair of the Committee for Sydney (2015-2018).