Rod Commerford

Rod is Australia’s Trade and Investment Commissioner and Deputy Consul General, based in Frankfurt, Germany. Rod leads a team of trade and investment professionals to support Australian exporters and facilitate productive foreign direct investment into Australia, responsible for the markets of Germany, Poland, Switzerland and Austria.

Prior to his current position, Rod’s roles include Trade and Investment Commissioner Jakarta, Indonesia and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner Seoul, leading Austrade’s teams in Korea and Mongolia. A significant focus of his overseas roles was to grow Australia’s share of foreign direct investment and supporting growth of Australian exports, maximising uptake of the bi-lateral trade and economic agreements between Australia and Indonesia (IACEPA) and Australia and South Korea (KAFTA).

Since commencing with Austrade in January 2008, Rod has held a variety of roles in both trade and investment and has diverse experience across multiple sectors including agribusiness, resources, energy infrastructure and education.

Prior to joining Austrade, Rod has over 12 years’ experience working in international trade focussed roles at Alcoa and Holden, expanding their export business units. Rod has considerable experience in trade with Asia and the Middle East.

Rod holds a Bachelor of Business (Economics) from Victoria University in Melbourne. In 2010, Rod completed the Asialink Leaders program through the University of Melbourne.