Phil Hayes-Brown

Phil Hayes-Brown was appointed CEO of Wallara in 2010, following a 20-year career spanning investment banking, commercial law and senior roles in sport, including the National Basketball Association (NBA) Asia in Hong Kong and Hawthorn Football Club.

Phil’s move into the disability sector was deeply personal, shaped by his experience as a carer for a family member with an intellectual disability who is non-verbal.

Under Phil’s leadership, Wallara has grown its social enterprise operations across logistics, e-commerce, hospitality, land management and media. Today, Wallara employs more than 500 people, including people with disability working across the organisation and its social enterprises.

Phil holds Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws degrees from Monash University, where he is also an Adjunct Professor. He completed the Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders at Harvard Business School and is a Fellow of the Williamson Community Leadership Program. In 2024, Phil was elected as a Director of the National Disability Services (NDS) National Board.

In 2025, Phil was named Social Traders National Game Changer of the Year, recognising his contribution to social enterprise and inclusion.

A frequent speaker at conferences on inclusion, disability rights and the future of work, Phil has also contributed opinion pieces to major news outlets.