Trade Organic Export Masterclass – South Korea

Najib Lawand has 25 years’ experience leading Australian food-export businesses and agri-food industry development teams.

He is well known for his capabilities in opening up new export markets and has worked extensively in the Middle East, North and South-East Asia. Since 2010, Najib has worked for NSW Trade and Investment, advising businesses and government on growth strategies for the agrifood industry. In his most recent role as General Manager Market Development with Food Innovation Australia Ltd (FIAL), Najib collaborated with individual businesses, governments and industry groups to deliver projects that have resulted in new export market opportunities.

In June 2017, Najib founded Export Connect, which uses the skills, connections and expertise he has acquired over the past 25 years to help companies select the right markets, connect with the right buyers, and grow. Since June 2017, Najib and the Export Connect team have delivered over 140 market reports and assessments, covering more than 20 export markets for clients including Chobani, Masterfoods, Woolworths, Robert Timms and Birch & Waite.

Catherine Mudford is Director, Capability Development at Asialink Business, Australia’s National Centre for Asia Capability. Asialink Business helps individuals and organisations develop essential knowledge of Asian markets, business environments, cultures and political landscapes to engage more effectively with Asia.

Catherine is an experienced general manager with 20+ years’ experience in international business, gained across developed and emerging markets. She has lived in Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore and worked extensively across the Asia region from these bases.

Until recently, Catherine was based in Singapore where she worked with the Singapore government to support the development of global leaders with a strong understanding of leading in Asia. She is passionate about helping leaders build the awareness and insight to help them be successful as they work across borders.

Kat Eunmin Kang is currently Programs Coordinator of Capability Development at Asialink Business. Prior to Asialink, Kat worked at the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) in Melbourne providing market and policy research for Korean organisations interested in exploring business opportunities in Australia.

Until recently she was based in Seoul, where she worked at the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea to facilitate dialogue between European corporations and the Korean government, and at the Center for International Commerce & Strategy (Seoul National University) to provide research on FTA regulations and manage trade programs. She also has lived experience in Malaysia, China, Japan, Canada, and the US and is passionate about building bridges between cultures.

Her qualifications include a Master of International Commerce from Seoul National University and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Tokyo. She is fluent in English and Korean, and also speaks Mandarin.

Liz Griffin is the Executive Director of the Australia-Korea Business Council and has held the position since December 2015. Prior to taking up this role, Liz held positions at Asialink Business and KPMG.

Liz speaks Korean at an advanced level, having completed a Diploma of languages (Korean) at Monash University and also completing the highest levels of Korean language study at Seoul National University. Liz has also spent time at Yonsei University and Sogang University.

In 2017, Liz was awarded an appreciation plaque from the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Sydney, recognising her dedication to promoting trade and investment between Korea and Australia. Liz is also a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Josefine Pettersson has a Masters of Organic Agriculture coupled with industry experience, at management level, in both cropping and livestock. Having worked in the EU and Australia, she brings a new perspective of Organic Agriculture and insight to advancing opportunities of Australian producers. As part of her new Technical Officer role at AOL, she is focused on standards development and market access to further advance the Organic industry.