The Albanese Government welcomes the appointment of Tim Thomas as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Australia-India Relations.
The Centre, to open later this year, will work across government, industry, academia and the community to build greater understanding of the Australia-India relationship and support new opportunities for collaboration.
The Centre will focus on promoting policy dialogue, building India business literacy and connections, engaging diaspora communities and deepening cultural understanding. It will also administer the flagship Maitri (friendship) program of scholarships, fellowships, cultural partnerships and grants.
Tim Thomas has over 20 years' senior executive experience working across the Asia-Pacific region in strategic leadership, corporate development and management roles. He was most recently a Partner, Global Strategy Group at KPMG Australia, where he expanded KPMG's India practice, working closely with Indian corporations and diaspora groups based in Australia and internationally.
His previous roles include Asia-Pacific Vice President of Prudential Financial, CEO and Country President of Prudential's operations in Malaysia, and four years in India as Chief Operating Officer for Bharti AXA Life Insurance and as AXA's India Market Entry Director and Chief Representative.
Tim has held leadership roles in a number of Indian-Australian community organisations and is Founder of Her Village, established to help young refugee women settle in Australia.
His appointment follows the announcement last month of the Centre's inaugural Chair, Ms Swati Dave. Further members of the Centre's Advisory Board will be announced in coming months.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
"Australia's relationship with India is closer and more important than ever.
"We have enormous potential to build on our relationship and ensure both Australia and India benefit from it.
"Mr Thomas will lead the Centre for Australia-India relations in supporting this work, enabling greater understanding and deeper cooperation."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:
"Expanding our cooperation with India is crucial for us and crucial for our region.
"Mr Thomas has more than two decades of business experience across the Indo-Pacific working to support trade and investment in India and in Australia.
"I look forward to working with Tim, Swati and the Centre's Advisory Board as we seek to deepen our engagement with India."
