International policy executive and non-profit leader, Martine Letts has been appointed the new CEO of the Australia China Business Council’s national office and will be based in Sydney.
Ms Letts brings strategic and organisational leadership skills and expertise in government, the non-profit and “ideas” sectors from her background working as CEO of the Australian Red Cross and Deputy CEO of Australia’s leading think tank, the Lowy Institute for International Policy.
Ms Letts has a portfolio strong in public policy development, organisational reform and business development for some leading Australian membership organisations.
“My ambition is to strengthen and expand the ACBC’s membership base around Australia, and to work closely with all ACBC branches (and state and territory governments) to promote all opportunities for Australian business in China, no matter how small or large the business. I look forward to working closely with ACBC board, and the Australian and Chinese governments to advance trade, business and investment links, to build greater knowledge and understanding between Australia and China and to strengthen people to people links,“ Ms Letts said.
ACBC Chairman, Mr Frank Tudor said Ms Letts would lead the organisation at a crucial time for Australia-China relations.
“China leads the global economy, and is Australia’s principal trading partner. Our future security and prosperity is inextricably linked to our relationship with China and its role in shaping the Asian century,” said Mr Tudor.
“Ms Letts’s success as a senior diplomat, as CEO of the Australian Red Cross and Deputy CEO of Australia’s leading think tank, the Lowy Institute for International Policy, and her strong representational and advocacy skills with different cultures and constituencies, will be a great asset to the Council as it boosts its capacity to deliver for Australian business interests in China.” ■