Ian Smith

Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner United Kingdom and Ireland, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)

Ian has more than 25 years private and public sector experience in international trade and investment across multiple regions and industries. Ian previously served as Australian Trade Commissioner for the mid-west region of the United States and more recently established Australia’s first fully dedicated regional Investment Promotion Agency and associated strategy in the state of New South Wales (NSW).

As a leading investment attraction practitioner, he has a proven track record of attracting, supporting and delivering catalytic FDI projects. Known for developing and leading high-performing teams, Ian also has an intimate knowledge of global business and hands on experience of key drivers for successful market entry.

In his previous role, Ian led a team of over 100 economic development, workforce, aboriginal economic development and business attraction specialists that aimed to leave a legacy for regional NSW by driving sustainable economic development. Ian assisted with the development of the NSW Critical Minerals & High Tech Metals Strategy and was Chair of the Local Content and Economic Development Sub Committee for the Renewable Energy Infrastructure Roadmap.

He is passionate about fostering vibrant and sustainable communities across Australia by increasing exports and driving investment to deliver long-term business growth, strong local economies and high value job creation.

Ian is a panellist at the Critical Minerals Forum, part of Australian Mining Week London.