Bernard Gallagher is the Managing Director of Ethos Urban, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in strategic and statutory planning. His career spans both the public and private sectors, where he has led the planning and delivery of some of Australia’s most complex urban renewal and transformation projects.

Combining strategic planning insight with urban design expertise, Bernard has successfully overseen large-scale rezonings, infrastructure-led developments, and integrated precincts that shape cities and communities. His leadership has delivered outcomes for major clients including Macquarie University, Boral, and the Department of Defence.

Before becoming Managing Director, Bernard held several senior roles at Ethos Urban, including National Director – Strategy, Sales and Marketing; Regional Director NSW; Planning Group Service Lead; and Board Member. He is known for his collaborative and purpose-driven leadership style, which fosters teams that are commercially sharp, creatively confident, and aligned with a shared vision. Bernard believes that strong leadership is not just about managing people—it’s about empowering teams to consistently achieve better outcomes for clients, unlocking value through integration, and driving purposeful growth for the business.

Bernard holds a Master’s degree in Urban Design from the University of Sydney and an Honours degree in Planning from the University of Auckland. He is a Member of the Planning Institute of Australia.

Bernard Gallagher's expertise