John Southwell

John Southwell is an experienced leader in trade and investment policy, currently serving as the Head of Economic Policy Branch at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) since May 2022. Prior to this role, John held positions including Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner in Mumbai, where John facilitated trade relationships for Australian businesses in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, and Trade and Investment Commissioner, achieving significant increases in agricultural trade with India. John’s extensive background also includes roles at the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, where John managed agricultural trade regulations, and as a Biosecurity Adviser to the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, providing strategic policy advice. John holds a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History, and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New England.