Global Opportunities in Defence Exports: 1-on-1 Government Support

Anthony commenced in his current role in October 2020.

Anthony has held numerous senior positions with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission over the past 20 years, both in Australia and internationally. Prior to taking up his current role, Anthony was the Senior Trade Commissioner for Central Europe, Russia & CIS based in Warsaw. He has also worked in the Philippines, the United States, the Pacific, Malaysia, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates.

He has over 30 years’ experience working in international trade across a range of sectors and countries and understands the challenges of operating in different markets. Anthony has an excellent understanding of Australia’s export and investment capability and the marketing strategies adopted across a range of industries.

Prior to joining the Australian Trade and Investment Commission he worked for the Vestey Group in the Middle East where he was responsible for developing regional operational and marketing strategies.

John was appointed as UK Defence & Security Director for the Australian Trade & Investment Commission (Austrade) in May 2021.  Prior to this, he worked in the UK defence sector in both government and industry. Much of his experience has involved operating at the interface between the two.

Immediately before joining Austrade, John spent 12 years with BAE Systems in the UK and overseas, in a range of senior business development roles.  Most recently, as Group Head of Government Relations, John managed the Company’s relationships with the UK Government, Parliament, and the EU.  Before this, as Managing Director for Asia, John led the Company’s operations across the region for six years, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Mathew D. Cantagallo joined the Australian Trade and Investment Commission as the US Defence & Security Director from Illinois Tool Works (ITW). At ITW, Mathew was the National Sales Manager for North America in charge of a team of fourteen regional sales reps and application engineers selling MRO lubricants and cleaners for the food, manufacturing, and aerospace sector. Before ITW, Mat served as a Business Investment Manager for the State of Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) focused on lead generation strategies for Virginia to targeted industry executives and site selection consultants.

Prior to joining VEDP, Mat served as an East Coast Regional Sales Manager for TT Electronics where he marketed and sold optoelectronics sensors for the Medical, Aerospace and Industrial Markets. Mat has also worked as International Defence Sales Manager for Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC), specializing in naval inertial navigation sensor sales in the Oceanic, Asian, Middle East and Eastern Europe markets.

Jim commenced his current role as UAE Defence & Security Director for the Australian Trade & Investment Commission in April 2021. Prior to this Jim was the Defence Attaché at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi for three years during which time he acted as the Military Diplomat manage all aspects of Military Relations and activity between the UK and the UAE, including Defence Sales, training, exercises, and Operations. Military advisor to Her Majesty’s Ambassador.

Jim has also held various positions including the Chief of Staff Higher Command with the UK Defence Academy, Senior Policy Officer UK Ministry of Defence, Operations Director (Maritime) with the Defence and Equipment Support of the UK Royal Nay. Prior to these roles, Jim served in the Royal Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, UK Maritime Component Commander in Bahrain and the Commanding Officer Type 23 Frigate HMS Montrose.

With over 20 years’ experience, Simon provides tailored financial solutions to support a company’s growth aspiration when expanding offshore, and winning export or export related contracts. Prior to joining Export Finance Australia, he held a variety of positions in the corporate and commercial banking businesses at Westpac, Bankwest, and NAB.