About Najib Lawand
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.