Former Australian ambassador to the OECD Chris Barrett has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Invest Victoria.
Invest Victoria was set up under the new Economic Development portfolio to help attract investment to the state and support the Andrews Labor Government’s economic growth agenda.
As part of its establishment, an extensive local and global search was conducted to find its first CEO.
Mr Barrett is a highly experienced leader internationally in government and public policy organisations, with experience spanning global economic and development agencies, and state and federal public sector.
Most recently, Mr Barrett was the Executive Director, Finance and Economics for the European Climate Foundation, which followed his role as the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the OECD.
In Australia, Mr Barrett is a former Deputy Secretary of the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Mr Barrett’s global experience representing Australia and depth of economic development and policy insight will boost Victoria’s strong track record in investment attraction.
Since December 2014, the Labor Government has facilitated investment projects valued at over $9.5 billion in new capital investment, expected to create over 26,000 new jobs.
In 2019, Invest Victoria has already facilitated several high profile foreign direct investment wins, set to create jobs and bring cutting-edge research and technology to Victoria.
This includes the selection of Melbourne as the first international city to trial Uber Air, the establishment of the Asia Pacific headquarters and R&D centre for major US biotech company Praxis Precision Medicines in Parkville and the Australian headquarters and distribution centre for global retail giant Kaufland.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Economic Development Tim Pallas
“I’m delighted to announce that Chris Barrett will head up Victoria’s new investment attraction agency, Invest Victoria.”
“Mr Barrett’s global experience and deep understanding of economic development will provide strong leadership for Invest Victoria to drive investment and business growth, securing Victoria’s long-term economic prosperity.”
Quotes attributable to Invest Victoria CEO Chris Barrett
“Innovation and new technology are driving rapid changes to the global economy and taking advantage of this emerging opportunities is vital to maintaining and growing Victoria’s strong economy.”
“I’m excited to take up this challenge and lead a new agency and a new approach to bring new investment to the state.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020