Rhod Ellis-Jones is a business, social innovation and communication strategist with diverse experience delivering advice and services to major private and public companies, governments and non-government organisations. He leads Ellis Jones’ cross-disciplinary team.

Originally an earth scientist, Rhod began working in issues and crisis management consulting as an entry point to the strategic communications discipline. Soon after, he worked as a speechwriter and political advisor to two lord mayors of Melbourne. He established Ellis Jones in 2008.

In 2012, Rhod began steering Ellis Jones to its present position as a multidisciplinary social impact consultancy. He worked with leaders in Europe and the US to develop and establish shared value as a strategy and design framework in the Australian context. He also founded the Shared Value Project, now an incorporated not-for-profit with activities in Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand. Since 2013, he has coached and facilitated shared value training for corporate and not-for-profit leaders. He has also designed and led masterclass programs with sector-specific focuses (energy, aged care), and features annually as a guest lecturer at the Melbourne Business School (MBS) Asia-Pacific Social Impact Centre.

Importantly, Rhod has steered the transformation of Ellis Jones into a shared value enterprise, balancing social impact with business sustainability. Today, social purpose and a focus on social impact is embedded in the culture and practice of the agency, from employee recruitment to investments and strategic decision-making.

Rhod is a former board member of Chunky Move contemporary dance company and trustee for Vienna-based visual arts foundation, Blood Mountain. He is also on the board of two social enterprises, Change Never Ages and Good Thing.

Rhod holds a Master of Arts (Communication) from RMIT University and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Melbourne.