Introducing the next CEO of Asialink Business
We sat down with Leigh to discuss it is more important than ever for Australian businesses to step up their engagement with Asia. Click here to access our interview with Leigh.
(Melbourne, 16 August 2021) The Asialink Group is delighted to welcome Leigh Howard as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Asialink Business, the National Centre for Asia Capability at the University of Melbourne.
Leigh brings two decades of experience representing Australian businesses in Asia, across corporate, government, start-up, and for-purpose sectors. Most recently, Leigh was the Deputy Commissioner to Southeast Asia for the State Government of Victoria. He led a network of Trade & Investment offices assisting exporters and investors to access opportunities across the region. Notably, he designed and implemented export recovery initiatives to deliver multi-million-dollar trade outcomes for exporters impacted by COVID-19.
"I am excited to join Asialink Business at this critical time in Australia’s trade and investment engagement with Asia. As businesses make important decisions about their future, our region continues to provide significant growth opportunities for companies looking to diversify and access new markets."
"The role of Asialink Business is more relevant than ever, and I look forward to working with Australian companies to realise success across the Indo-Pacific,” Leigh says.
Previously, Leigh was a board member and Executive Director for TradingPost.com.au, one of Australia’s biggest online classified portals, as well as the Director, South Asia for Talent2 International Ltd, one of Australia’s largest staffing companies. Leigh is a Foundation Board Director of AustCham ASEAN, the peak body for all officially registered Australian chambers and business councils in Southeast Asia. He is also a long-standing committee member and former Chairperson of the Malaysia Australia Business Council (MABC).
Chair of the Asialink Business Advisory Council, Mr Tarandeep Singh Ahuja, says:
“I am delighted to welcome Leigh as the new leader of Asialink Business. Leigh’s wealth of practical Asia business expertise and diverse experience across multiple sectors, including private enterprise and government, provide him with a unique understanding of how to achieve results in the region.”
Leigh is expected to take up his appointment in October.