Rob Donelly

Rob Donelly is General Manager for Greater China, based in Beijing.

Rob brings a depth of knowledge in business operations at Austrade and in corporate roles. Rob was responsible for embedding the Austrade Strategy 2018–2022 throughout the business, as well as leading an ambitious business transformation plan. He also led Austrade’s data and research work, developed a digital strategy for Austrade, and managed governance and internal communications.

Rob has an in-depth knowledge of Australia’s investment environment and deep expertise in working with investors. Rob previously served in Treasury as the Head of the Foreign Investment and Trade Policy Division and as the Executive Member of the Foreign Investment Review Board. In this role, he engaged extensively with a wide range of foreign investors and intermediaries who were making multi-billion dollar investments into Australia.

Prior to this role, Rob worked in a range of senior financial and policy roles, in the ACT and the Australian Public Service (APS). He served as Treasury’s Chief Financial Officer from 2008 to 2012, and led teams working on income tax and superannuation policy. He also served as Chief Financial Officer to the ACT Department of Education and Training from 2003 to 2008.

Rob started his career in the private sector, working in the IT and retail sectors before moving to government. Rob holds degrees in Economics and Commerce from the Australian National University. He is a Fellow of CPA Australia, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.