Neale Whitaker

Neale Whitaker's Biography

Sophisticated, stylish and with a wealth of international expertise in publishing and interior design, Neale Whitaker is one of Australia’s foremost style gurus

The Australian public may know Neale Whitaker as the stylish judge on smash hit renovation series The Block, and co-host of Foxtel’s Love It or List It Australia, but his knowledge and expertise come courtesy of a successful publishing career that saw Neale at the helm of Aussie style bibles Belle and Vogue Living for more than a decade.

Since arriving in Australia from the UK in 1999, Neale has enjoyed an impressive career as respected media personality and one of Australia’s foremost style gurus.

British-born Neale started his career in the office of legendary London PR guru Lynne Franks (on whom the character of Eddi in ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ was based). After working as both fashion publicist and stylist, Neale took on publishing roles for high-profile British retailers including Marks & Spencer, Debenhams and IKEA. He also launched Food Illustrated for upmarket supermarket group Waitrose, a magazine that was praised internationally and set new standards for food publishing in the UK.

In 1999, Neale moved to Sydney and edited directional interiors magazine, Marie Claire Lifestyle. His impeccable taste and professionalism won him many fans and he was kept busy with regular columns in The Sydney Morning Herald's Good Living supplement and US Gourmet magazine. During his five years at FPC Magazines (now NewsLifeMedia) he edited Vogue Entertaining + Travel and launched best-selling food magazine delicious — the most successful magazine launch in the history of Australian publishing.

After editing Australian interior design bible Belle for eight years, Neale joined Vogue Living as Editor-in-chief in 2014. In 2017 he moved into the role of Editor-at-large to allow time for his increasing television and wider media commitments. Neale continued as a columnist for News Corp’s Stellar magazine until December 2019.

In 2009, the producers of Nine’s TV show homeMADE asked Neale to join the judging panel and provide feedback to the young interior designers being put through their paces. Neale's frank honesty, warm humour and British eccentricities charmed audiences, and the following year he was invited to be a permanent judge on the multi-Logie winning renovation reality series, The Block. For thirteen years (and 19 seasons), millions of Australians have listened to Neale share his advice and insights with the show’s contestants.

In 2017 Neale joined Foxtel’s Love It or List It Australia as co-host, with property guru, Andrew Winter. The show now in it’s fifth season. Neale also enjoys an exclusive ambassadorial role in Australia with brand partners King Living, Wattyl paint and MINI.

In 2021 Neale launched the Neale Whitaker N|W Collection of bedlinen, towels and home accessories in collaboration with MyHouse Australia.

With a media career spanning more than 30 years - much of which was spent as a magazine editor - Neale has hosted countless events. From large award nights and conferences to facilitating discussion panels, presenting on behalf of brand partners, and hosting both media events and intimate dinners—he's done it all.

Neale is meticulous in his research and preparation, yet agile enough to adapt to the dynamic nature of live events. His presenting style is articulate, personable, humorous, and witty. As someone who loves the buzz and excitement of events, he can engage any audience while effectively communicating key partner messages and smoothly guiding the event's flow.

In addition, Neale is an accomplished keynote speaker and panellist in his own right. Passionate and knowledgeable, he can deliver keynotes based on all aspects of the lifestyle industry.

Neale believes that while age doesn't necessarily bring wisdom, it does bring experience and anecdotes!  To enquire about Neale contact Helene Greenham directly: helene@platinumspeakers.com.au

Speaking Topics Include

STAYING RELEVANT ACROSS THE GENERATIONS
‘Relevance is a state of mind. It’s about remaining curious and being inspired and engaged by the world around me. It's taken me a lifetime to realise age really IS just a number.

A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME
‘Houses are bricks and mortar. Homes are lives and memories’

MAKING SENSE OF TRENDS
‘How do you interpret trends when the experts tell you it’s the year of the Urban Aunt?’