Shanil Nanayakkara

Shanil Nanayakkara, a distinguished Director at Australian Presence Legal, brings over 25 years of senior management expertise acquired across Australia and the United Kingdom. His career is marked by a commitment to guiding corporate entities through the complexities of establishing and expanding operations both domestically and internationally. Shanil's strategic acumen has been pivotal for significant international businesses as they navigate the initial setup phase and subsequent stages of growth. Since co-founding Australian Presence Legal with Tamsin Johnston, Shanil has driven the firm's rapid ascent to prominence within the legal sector. The firm is now a trusted name, serving ASX-listed companies, multinational corporations, and a diverse range of Australian SMEs and private clients. Under his leadership, Shanil has successfully secured high-value contracts, notably negotiating on behalf of a European developer for a state-significant airport and transport hub project. Shanil's adept handling of multimillion dollar government tenders is a testament to his strategic mind, having outperformed formidable multinational competitors. His negotiation skills have also secured substantial funding increases for commercial clients, even against the backdrop of federal budget cuts. His tenure as CEO of Australian Presence and various non-executive director roles reflect his broad influence in the commercial, financial, and government sectors. Shanil's legal and management experience ensures skilful negotiations, effective preparation and management of tenders, and adept assistance in raising capital for major projects. His dedication to clients is unwavering, driven by a mission to expedite the growth and success of their Australian operations. Shanil's educational journey took him through prestigious institutions such as UNSW, the University of Technology Sydney, and the University of Wollongong, further honing the skills that underpin his leadership in the legal and business sectors.