Brian Riley is a seasoned public health specialist with over 25 years of experience in national and international health and development sectors. Currently serving as a Health Specialist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Brian provides expert advice to support the ADB Health Sector Group's objectives, focusing on strengthening health systems, addressing climate change impacts on health, and promoting Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across Asia and the Pacific.
Brian's extensive career includes significant roles at the World Health Organization (WHO), where he served as a Technical Advisor in the WHO Emergencies Programme and Executive Officer for the COVAX initiative. His work at WHO involved strategic project management and coordination within the pandemic response, contributing to global efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and for equitable vaccine distribution.
Before joining ADB and WHO, Brian held executive and directorial positions within the Australian Federal Government, working on primary healthcare reforms and large-scale infrastructure programs for First Nations communities. He has also been seconded to the United Nations, contributing to recovery efforts in the Philippines and population census initiatives in Sudan.
Brian holds dual citizenship in Australia and Ireland and has an impressive academic background, including a PhD in Public Health and Development, a Master of Law in International Law, and a Master of Development Management. He completed his undergraduate studies in Psychology and Music (Jazz Performance) at Australian universities.