Premier announces Commissioner for Victoria appointments to boost trade, business and jobs
Posted on 23 January, 2012
Premier Ted Baillieu today announced key appointments to overseas posts to raise Victoria’s offshore profile, forge new investment links in key markets and create jobs.
Mr Baillieu announced the re-appointments of John Butler as Commissioner for Victoria in Dubai and Tim Dillon in Kuala Lumpur, and the appointment of Adam Cunneen in Tokyo.
Mr Baillieu said the Commissioners and Victorian Government Business Offices (VGBOs) played a pivotal role in helping and supporting Victorian exporters and other businesses and raising the profile of Victoria and the Victorian business brand internationally, including managing the State’s relationships with key international regions.
John Butler was first appointed in 2009 as Commissioner for Victoria in Dubai, representing Victoria in the Middle East and North Africa, and has been re-appointed until 2015.
“Mr Butler has been a fine advocate for Victoria in this key market and his extensive prior experience in the aviation industry has been important in developing relationships with airlines flying into Melbourne,” Mr Baillieu said.
Tim Dillon was also first appointed in 2009 as Commissioner for Victoria in Kuala Lumpur, representing Victoria in South East Asia, and has been re-appointed until 2015.
“Mr Dillon established the new VGBO in Kuala Lumpur and has driven it to achieve its targets in 2010/11, so his re-appointment will allow him to consolidate on a strong beginning in South East Asia, a key region for Victoria,” Mr Baillieu said.
Adam Cunneen has been appointed Commissioner for Victoria in Tokyo, representing Victoria in Japan and Korea.
Mr Cunneen is currently the Director, Resource Trade Development in the Department of Resources in the Northern Territory, with responsibility for driving investment attraction initiatives and international business development for the Northern Territory Government.
Previously he has held executive roles in the private and public sector in Japan including with Austrade and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“These appointments will further develop Victoria’s relationships in key regions and deliver substantial economic benefits and jobs to Victoria,” Mr Baillieu said.
Mr Baillieu also thanked Prue Holstein, outgoing Commissioner for Victoria in Tokyo, for her service to Victoria during her term as Commissioner, and particularly for her commitment to her post following the earthquake in Japan in March 2011.
The VGBO in Tokyo closed temporarily after the earthquake due to disruptions to essential services but reopened as soon as possible. Ms Holstein has been active in building and maintaining strong business relationships with this important market for Victoria.
The VGBOs across the world were instrumental in attracting nearly $2.8 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2010/11, which created more than 6,100 new jobs.
The VGBO network covers 13 key locations, with posts headed by Victoria’s Agent-General in London and Commissioners for Victoria in Frankfurt, Dubai, Bangalore, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Tokyo and San Francisco.
“I have previously announced that two new offices will be opened in Beijing and Mumbai as part of a significant upgrading of Victoria’s relationships with these important trading partners,” Mr Baillieu said.