Sir Eric James Neal (born 3 June 1924) is a British-born Australian retired academic administrator, banker, and manufacturing executive.

He was also a Director of John Fairfax Holdings, BHP, Coca-Cola Amatil and AMP and Chairperson of Westpac and Atlas Copco Australia.

"[2] Not withstanding, he oversaw 14 years of consecutive and rising profits for shareholders and history has shown that his views and decisions made whilst on the Westpac Board were correct.

[citation needed] Neal was appointed Governor of South Australia in 1996, and became the first person from the business community to take up residence in Government House, Adelaide.

In 1992 he was awarded the United States Department of Defence Medal for Distinguished Public Service for his contribution in Chairing the Council that organised Australian events commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.