Neale Pitches, CEO
ONZM, MEd Admin (Hons), BA, Dip Tchg

Before starting his own company, PB Learning, Neale was the founding CEO of Learning Media, from 1993 until 2002. He led Learning Media's growth from a $9 million government division to a $24 million commercial company. Neale oversaw the establishment of Learning Media's international products, as well as the growth of Learning Media's relationship with the New Zealand Ministry of Education, including publishing for them in te reo Maori and Pacific languages. Neale led Learning Media in its mission to publish world-leading classroom literacy and numeracy resources.

Neale taught English and history in the New Zealand secondary school system, prior to being appointed deputy principal and then principal of Wellington's Onslow College - a position he held for seven years. He served briefly as an inspector and financial advisor to schools during the period of restructuring of New Zealand schools in 1989.

He presents internationally on literacy and school leadership, focusing on how to teach comprehension strategies across the curriculum, especially in Years 4 to 8 (Grades 3 to 7) and on the alignment of school leadership with effective practice.

Neale was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education in the 2003 New Year's Awards.