Published Thursday, 07 February, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
New General Manager to drive Queensland’s exports
A former senior advisor to federal and state governments has been appointed as the new General Manager of Trade Queensland.
Trade Minister John Mickel announced today that Rob Whiddon would head up the Government's trade operations responsible for boosting Queensland’s exports.
"Trade Queensland assists local companies achieve success in overseas markets and encourages overseas investment in Queensland," Mr Mickel said.
"This task requires management of the highest standard and a big-picture understanding of Queensland's trade strategy, for which an independent selection committee endorsed Mr Whiddon as the most meritorious candidate.
Mr Mickel said the appointment had been made after a full merit selection process including advertising and an interview by a selection panel of senior executives from both the public and private sectors.
"The selection committee was unanimous that Mr Whiddon was the outstanding candidate for this most important position."
"Mr Whiddon has decades of experience in managing and negotiating, most particularly at the government level but also with key stakeholder interests in the private sector that are critical for the success of Trade Queensland.
Mr Whiddon was Chief-of-Staff to the former Premier and Minister for Trade, Peter Beattie. Previously he was a Private Secretary to the former Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Hon. Bill Hayden and Senior Policy Advisor to the former Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Trade Development, the Hon. David Hamill.
Mr Mickel said he would be appointed at a SES Level 3.
Mr Mickel also announced today the appointment of former senior IT executive Rod Solomons as the Queensland Government Trade and Investment Commissioner for India.
“Rod Solomons brings to the role a wealth of international business experience as well as a unique understanding of the Indian market,” he said.
Before being appointed Trade and Investment Commissioner Mr Solomons held a senior position with IBM based in India.
Media contact: Chris Brown (07) 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060
February 7, 2008
Trade Minister John Mickel announced today that Rob Whiddon would head up the Government's trade operations responsible for boosting Queensland’s exports.
"Trade Queensland assists local companies achieve success in overseas markets and encourages overseas investment in Queensland," Mr Mickel said.
"This task requires management of the highest standard and a big-picture understanding of Queensland's trade strategy, for which an independent selection committee endorsed Mr Whiddon as the most meritorious candidate.
Mr Mickel said the appointment had been made after a full merit selection process including advertising and an interview by a selection panel of senior executives from both the public and private sectors.
"The selection committee was unanimous that Mr Whiddon was the outstanding candidate for this most important position."
"Mr Whiddon has decades of experience in managing and negotiating, most particularly at the government level but also with key stakeholder interests in the private sector that are critical for the success of Trade Queensland.
Mr Whiddon was Chief-of-Staff to the former Premier and Minister for Trade, Peter Beattie. Previously he was a Private Secretary to the former Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Hon. Bill Hayden and Senior Policy Advisor to the former Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Trade Development, the Hon. David Hamill.
Mr Mickel said he would be appointed at a SES Level 3.
Mr Mickel also announced today the appointment of former senior IT executive Rod Solomons as the Queensland Government Trade and Investment Commissioner for India.
“Rod Solomons brings to the role a wealth of international business experience as well as a unique understanding of the Indian market,” he said.
Before being appointed Trade and Investment Commissioner Mr Solomons held a senior position with IBM based in India.
Media contact: Chris Brown (07) 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060
February 7, 2008