Deo is among the internationally recognised Australian experts in the field of environment, sustainability and governance with a focus on decarbonisation, clean energy and energy efficiency. His experience covers practice as an architect (design and planning), an energy environment consultant, a distinguished academic, significant leadership and governance expertise, all with notable recognition from all levels of government and professions.

His work is characterised by high levels of impact especially with commercial focus.His governance experience includes high level government, professional and education Boards, he has driven ideas to high level research with impact and has been recognised by industry and governments for these. He is future looking and is particularly keen now to explore wider area of impact from an institutional and investment reporting perspective.

He is currently CEO of the NSW Government Decarbonisation Innovation Hub ($30-100m including industry funds) engaging key stakeholders in decarbonising the economy while delivering on new jobs and growth. Deo has also been a lead investigator and partnerships manager of the Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub ($17m) of the National Environmental Science Program of the Federal Government.

Deo was also the CEO and chief investigator of the National Research and Innovation Hub for the Built Environment: CRC for Low Carbon Living. This Hub delivered on knowledge, new technologies, evidence for policies and once in a generation capacity build in this field. Deo brought the industry, government and research partnerships together, led the CRC in all its aspects from engagements, publicly representing it to local, national and international interests and internally managing the CRC with reporting to a high-level board, governments and partners. The Exit Report illustrates a typical professional report to partners.

Previous to this he led the SOLARCH Group at UNSW. His publications (in excess of 300) demonstrate a huge body of work in delivering sustainable and resilient buildings and cities including low carbon, urban climates, circular economy, integrated/regenerative design, planning and policies. Deo is a firm supporter of a ‘science-led evidence-based approach’. He understands the design, planning and policy contexts in Australia and globally and has worked with most stakeholders (Governments, industry, businesses, and professions) on many successful outcomes.

Deo has proven expertise in leading large-scale research and innovation agendas from strategy to impact for industry, governments and research. Deo has always worked in the applied field and with qualifications in design, management, science and engineering and has a clear understanding of multi disciplinary approaches. He understands the innovation eco-system.