Fremantle Ports CEO Kerry Sanderson will take up her appointment as Agent General for Western Australia in London in November, replacing Noel Ashcroft.
The Agent General’s role in London is to represent the interests of the Government of Western Australia in the United Kingdom and other countries of the European Union. It involves both a diplomatic function and one of facilitating trade and investment.
Many countries within the European Union are already major trade and investment partners for WA, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy. Emerging markets in Central and Eastern Europe, such as Russia, represent important future business opportunities for WA companies.
In meeting its key objectives, the Agent General and the London Office operate across the full range of government ministerial portfolios. The ability to represent effectively on a whole-of-government basis is enhanced by the fact that the Agent General reports directly to the Premier.
Kerry will become the 27th Agent General since the office was established in 1892, prior to Federation, to purchase heavy equipment for infrastructure such as rail, water supply and ports from the UK for the fast-developing Swan River colony. Since then, its focus has depended on the needs of the time, such as migration and trade.
CEO appointed Agent General
