Australia’s National Centre for Asia Capability, Asialink Business has appointed Orica Limited managing director and CEO, Sanjeev Gandhi and Tech Council of Australia CEO, Kate Pounder as new members to the Asialink Business Advisory Council.
Chaired by McKinsey & Company partner, Tarandeep Singh Ahuja, the Asialink Business Advisory Council brings together an experienced line-up of business and industry leaders to assist Asialink Business in achieving its mission to build an Asia-capable Australian workforce.
Asialink Business CEO, Leigh Howard said, “This is a critical time for Australia’s engagement with Asia. We are delighted to welcome Sanjeev and Kate to the Asialink Business Advisory Council. Both bring extensive expertise from priority sectors for the Australian economy – ones that are in high demand in fast-growing Asian markets.
“These appointments will further strengthen Asialink Business’ bench of advisers, ensuring we are best placed to support Australian businesses to upskill and access opportunities in Asia.”
Sanjeev Gandhi was appointed managing director and CEO of the world’s leading mining and infrastructure solutions providers, Orica Limited in April 2021, after previously holding the role of group executive and president of Australia Pacific and Asia since July 2020.
Gandhi is a former executive director and member of the board of publicly listed German chemical company BASF SE. During his 26-year career with BASF, he held several senior marketing, commercial and business leadership roles in Germany, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and India including as head of Asia Pacific and head of global chemicals segment (intermediates and petrochemicals).
Commenting on his appointment, Gandhi said, “I am pleased to join the Asialink Business Advisory Council and look forward to working closely with the esteemed business advisory council members to further strengthen links between Australian & Asian business.”
Kate Pounder is an experienced tech policy expert and senior executive who has worked across the public, private and non-profit sectors. She is the CEO of the Tech Council of Australia, the peak body representing the Australian tech sector. Before her time in consulting, she spent 15 years working in technology policy roles with the Australian Industry Group, National ICT Australia (NICTA), Network Ten, and the Federal Government.
Pounder said, “I believe Australia has a once in a generation opportunity to be a global technology powerhouse and part of realising this potential is enhancing our role as a regional tech hub. I’m excited to join Asialink Business in an advisory capacity and contribute to this important work for the sector and wider Australian economy.”