Mr Tim Dillon

Mr Tim Dillon is the Victorian Government’s 38th Agent-General to the United Kingdom, continuing the State’s uninterrupted representation in the UK since 1868. In his current role as Agent-General for Victoria to the United Kingdom and Commissioner to Europe, he leads Victoria’s engagement across trade, investment, innovation and strategic partnerships throughout the region.

Mr Dillon takes genuine interest and delight in the two-way street of helping Victorian businesses to deepen their global ties and in helping overseas businesses to focus on Victorian opportunities. He regards himself as a fortunate beneficiary of growing up in a hospitable family in close proximity to a university which offered courses that were a magnet for international post-graduate students. On most weekends, the Dillon family hosted an eclectic array of foreign students for homecooked meals. In a family of eleven, another two, three or more places around the BBQ or at the dinner table were not a problem! For a child growing up, in what was then, largely monolingual regional Australia, it provided an intoxicating introduction to a wider world of diverse cultures and languages.

Over a distinguished career with the Victorian Government, Mr Dillon has held several senior international appointments. He served as Commissioner for Victoria in Japan (2004 to 2009), based in Tokyo and covering North Asia; Commissioner for South East Asia (2009 to 2014), based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Commissioner for China (2014 to 2020), based in Shanghai and covering East Asia. Since 2020, he has been based in London, representing Victoria’s interests in the United Kingdom and across Europe.

Mr Dillon has played a pivotal role in expanding Victoria’s global network, including the establishment of the State’s international offices in Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Paris. He was instrumental in the development and delivery of the Victorian Government’s first China strategy, which achieved all targets for trade, investment, tourism, and international education five years ahead of schedule.

Throughout his tenure, Mr Dillon has facilitated significant inward investment into Victoria across sectors including advanced manufacturing, agriculture, food and beverage, retail and hospitality, tourism, research and development, life sciences, infrastructure and renewable energy. A dedicated leader, he is deeply committed to building high performance teams and mentoring emerging talent within the Victorian public sector.

Mr Dillon holds qualifications in Economics and Asian Studies from the University of New England. In recognition of his professional and community contributions, he is an Honorary Fellow of the Chief of Staff Association, Patron of the Australia House Ensemble in the United Kingdom, and a Non-Executive Director of the Britain-Australia Society.

Mr Dillon is married to Mandy, and together they have two children: Finnegan and Zoe.