Occasional Address
OCCASIONAL ADDRESS
Helen Sawczak BA/LLB is an executive leader with over 30 years’ experience in a range of industries including banking, telecommunications, legal services, international trade and resources.
Helen has recently returned to Australia after completing her posting as the NSW Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for Greater China. As the most senior representative of the NSW Government in China, she led the China network which included staff in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Taipei and Hong Kong promoting trade, tourism, international education, and attracting foreign investment into NSW.
After graduating from Monash Arts/Law, Helen started her career as a corporate lawyer at international law firms both in Australia and overseas. After returning to Australia, Helen worked as in-house counsel with Alcoa providing legal services for its WA alumina mining and aluminium smelting operations in Victoria. Helen then held various legal and commercial roles at Telstra for ten years.
At Australia Post Helen was National Manager Corporate Responsibility & Stakeholder Relations and developed Australia Post’s first Corporate Responsibility Strategy. Helen then took up the role as Head of Communications Australia for ANZ Bank working across all aspects of the Bank’s business.
She has a deep and nuanced understanding of bilateral trade and investment, and in recognition of her leadership roles in the law & business and in fostering strong relations between Australia and China, Helen was awarded a University Fellowship by Monash University in 2018.
Helen is a passionate advocate of gender and cultural diversity and inclusion and acts as a mentor.