Greg was born in Cape Town, South Africa. He completed his B.Sc. at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg and M.Sc. at the University of the Western Cape, Cape Town. After a short stint as a Junior Lecturer at the University of South Africa, he completed his Ph.D. in organometallic synthesis at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa in 2004.

He then joined the Chemistry Department at the University of Cape Town. His interests in metal-containing polymers lead to him to pursue postdoctoral studies with Prof. Ian Manners in September 2005. His main research interests encompass the design, synthesis and characterization of mononuclear and polynuclear inorganic and organic materials, particularly polymer and dendrimer synthesis.

Attendant research focusses on the application of these materials as catalysts for various organic transformations and as biological agents (anticancer activity). Other outside interests include listening to live music (jazz), watching rugby and soccer, and the occasional movie.