is operated by a Board, elected every two years at the Annual General Meeting. The Board works for the German Australian Business Council on a voluntary basis and was last elected on 25 April 2024.
Deputy Treasurer, Board Member, Berlin
Caroline is the Founder and on the Advisory Board for Summerhill Financial Services, a financial advice firm in Melbourne for individuals both in Australia and outside of Australia, who require personal financial advice. Caroline has been a financial and income tax adviser in Australia, Germany and the UK, specialising in expatriates. Since arriving in Germany, Caroline has been a Co-Founder and COO of FinMarie, providing financial advice specifically for women and also as a Wealth Planning Specialist for Vanguard, consulting on financial matters to the Australian, German, UK and US businesses.
Caroline holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and various post graduate qualifications in financial advice.
Deputy Chair, Board Member, Frankfurt
André Haermeyer was Victoria’s Commissioner to Europe at The Victorian Government Business Office in Frankfurt from February 2009 until February 2012. He was responsible for advancing Victoria’s economic interests through trade and investment, developing closer links between Victoria and European businesses, promoting closer cultural links and scientific collaboration between Australia and Europe.
From 1992 to 2008 André was a member of the Parliament of Victoria where he held several Ministerial portfolios including Manufacturing and Export, Financial Services, Small Business, Police and Emergency Services, and Corrections.
During his long parliamentary career André served on numerous Cabinet and Parliamentary Committees including Investment Support, Economic Development, Security and Emergencies, Social Development, Communications (Deputy Chair), Ministerial Council on Road Safety, Public Bodies Review and the Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee.
André holds qualifications in Commerce and Political Science from the University of Melbourne and the University of Technology in Sydney. André continues to live in Frankfurt with his wife, Tonya
André is Deputy Chair for Frankfurt and looks after government and corporate contacts.
Deputy Treasurer, Board Member, Berlin
Caroline is the Founder and on the Advisory Board for Summerhill Financial Services, a financial advice firm in Melbourne for individuals both in Australia and outside of Australia, who require personal financial advice. Caroline has been a financial and income tax adviser in Australia, Germany and the UK, specialising in expatriates. Since arriving in Germany, Caroline has been a Co-Founder and COO of FinMarie, providing financial advice specifically for women and also as a Wealth Planning Specialist for Vanguard, consulting on financial matters to the Australian, German, UK and US businesses.
Caroline holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and various post graduate qualifications in financial advice.
Deputy Chair, Board Member, Frankfurt
André Haermeyer was Victoria’s Commissioner to Europe at The Victorian Government Business Office in Frankfurt from February 2009 until February 2012. He was responsible for advancing Victoria’s economic interests through trade and investment, developing closer links between Victoria and European businesses, promoting closer cultural links and scientific collaboration between Australia and Europe.
From 1992 to 2008 André was a member of the Parliament of Victoria where he held several Ministerial portfolios including Manufacturing and Export, Financial Services, Small Business, Police and Emergency Services, and Corrections. During his long parliamentary career André served on numerous Cabinet and Parliamentary Committees including Investment Support, Economic Development, Security and Emergencies, Social Development, Communications (Deputy Chair), Ministerial Council on Road Safety, Public Bodies Review and the Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee.
André holds qualifications in Commerce and Political Science from the University of Melbourne and the University of Technology in Sydney. André continues to live in Frankfurt with his wife, Tonya.
André is Deputy Chair for Frankfurt and looks after government and corporate contacts.
Board Member, Munich
Dr. Robert Harrison is managing partner of the law firm Sonnenberg Harrison Partnerschaft mbB in Munich and Paris. He holds Australian, UK and German nationalities and was brought up in the UK.
Rob has a B.A. (Hons.) in Physics from Oxford University and a M.Sc. in Solid State Physics from Sheffield University in the UK. Rob later obtained his Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering with a thesis in the field of Indium Arsenide Phosphide Antinomide.
He worked for the European Patent Office as an examiner before joining the intellectual property department of IBM where he trained as a German, and European Patent and Trademark Attorney. Rob was European IP Counsel for W.L.Gore & Associates from 1995 until 2001.
Rob works with innovative companies and startups funded by venture capital and private equity to maximise the value of their intellectual property rights.
Rob has several (advisory) board membership with innovative companies, such as Paper and Plastic GmbH from Dresden, Flying Health Incubator (Berlin) and Spinex (Oxford, UK).
Rob has established technology licensing strategies in Europe, Asia and Australasia.
Rob looks after the policy matters of the Business Council.
Board Member, Frankfurt
Dietrich‘s last position was Vice President Advanced Sales Channels and E-Mobility at Bosch. Having started his career with Boral in Melbourne he then held various positions in Sales and Marketing mostly in the automotive industry working for and with the likes of General Motoras, Ford, BMW, Daimler, Volkswagen, Tesla, etc.
He has also run his own business in the Home Renovations area in the 1990s and later in general consulting following his departure from Bosch in Germany in 2015.
Dietrich has lived in Colombia, Germany, and Australia and travelled widely both for business and pleasure thus gaining a deep insight into different cultures.
He came to Autralia in 1977 and then spent 15 years living ansd working in Melbourne. He holds a degree in Economics from Melbourne University and a Master of Business Administration from Monash University.
Dietrich joined GABC (ABIE as it was then) back in 1997 and held various positions in the organisation over the years.
Since retiring in 2018 Dietrich offers general consulting services.
Board Member, Munich
Dr. Robert Harrison is managing partner of the law firm Sonnenberg Harrison Partnerschaft mbB in Munich and Paris. He holds Australian, UK and German nationalities and was brought up in the UK.
Rob has a B.A. (Hons.) in Physics from Oxford University and a M.Sc. in Solid State Physics from Sheffield University in the UK. Rob later obtained his Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering with a thesis in the field of Indium Arsenide Phosphide Antinomide.
He worked for the European Patent Office as an examiner before joining the intellectual property department of IBM where he trained as a German, and European Patent and Trademark Attorney. Rob was European IP Counsel for W.L.Gore & Associates from 1995 until 2001.
Rob works with innovative companies and startups funded by venture capital and private equity to maximise the value of their intellectual property rights.
Rob has several (advisory) board membership with innovative companies, such as Paper and Plastic GmbH from Dresden, Flying Health Incubator (Berlin) and Spinex (Oxford, UK).
Rob has established technology licensing strategies in Europe, Asia and Australasia.
Rob looks after the policy matters of the Business Council.
Board Member, Frankfurt
Dietrich‘s last position was Vice President Advanced Sales Channels and E-Mobility at Bosch. Having started his career with Boral in Melbourne he then held various positions in Sales and Marketing mostly in the automotive industry working for and with the likes of General Motoras, Ford, BMW, Daimler, Volkswagen, Tesla, etc.
He has also run his own business in the Home Renovations area in the 1990s and later in general consulting following his departure from Bosch in Germany in 2015.
Dietrich has lived in Colombia, Germany, and Australia and travelled widely both for business and pleasure thus gaining a deep insight into different cultures.
He came to Autralia in 1977 and then spent 15 years living ansd working in Melbourne. He holds a degree in Economics from Melbourne University and a Master of Business Administration from Monash University.
Dietrich joined GABC (ABIE as it was then) back in 1997 and held various positions in the organisation over the years.
Since retiring in 2018 Dietrich offers general consulting services.
Board Member, Berlin
Katrina (otherwise known as ‘Kat’) is a Digital Experience Strategist and Communications Consultant, currently at the Munich-based digital agency Iris Worldwide, specialising in customer experience and journey management, user experience, and digital strategy for enterprise level, global businesses. She also consults within the entertainment and startup industries, helping companies build a customer-centric digital presence and develop strategies for online success, as well as redefine their business potential online and enhance it for next level growth.
Kat holds a Bachelors of Arts/Law from the University of New England and a Masters of Communications from RMIT University, as well as various other certifications in digital, strategy and user experience.
She joined the German Australian Business Council in 2024. Within the GABC Board, she is responsible for the communications & digital channels, as well as events in Berlin.
Board Member, Frankfurt
Daniel is a Senior Associate in M&A advisory at PwC Germany with more than 7 years of financial advisory experience, including the last 3 years advising on both Asian and European transactions. Prior to joining PwC Germany, Daniel worked as an Associate at PwC Australia in the Infrastructure Lead Advisory and Tax & Legal teams.
Daniel is a qualified Chartered Accountant (CAANZ) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Monash University. He originates from Melbourne, Australia.
Daniel joined the German Australian Business Council at the beginning of 2020 and leads the Next Generation initiative.
Board Member, Berlin
Katrina (otherwise known as ‘Kat’) is a Digital Experience Strategist and Communications Consultant, currently at the Munich-based digital agency Iris Worldwide, specialising in customer experience and journey management, user experience, and digital strategy for enterprise level, global businesses. She also consults within the entertainment and startup industries, helping companies build a customer-centric digital presence and develop strategies for online success, as well as redefine their business potential online and enhance it for next level growth.
Kat holds a Bachelors of Arts/Law from the University of New England and a Masters of Communications from RMIT University, as well as various other certifications in digital, strategy and user experience.
She joined the German Australian Business Council in 2024. Within the GABC Board, she is responsible for the communications & digital channels, as well as events in Berlin.
Board Member, Frankfurt
Daniel is a Senior Associate in M&A advisory at PwC Germany with more than 7 years of financial advisory experience, including the last 3 years advising on both Asian and European transactions. Prior to joining PwC Germany, Daniel worked as an Associate at PwC Australia in the Infrastructure Lead Advisory and Tax & Legal teams.
Daniel is a qualified Chartered Accountant (CAANZ) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Monash University. He originates from Melbourne, Australia.
Daniel joined the German Australian Business Council at the beginning of 2020 and leads the Next Generation initiative.
Deputy Chair, Board Member, Munich
Elisabeth Opie is an international technology lawyer based in Munich, undertaking international policy work, transactions, and dispute resolution with technology-centric companies. Prior to this, Elisabeth was the inaugural Global Research Alliance Fellow, a role supported primarily by the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and Germany’s Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft.
Elisabeth holds a Master of Laws (International Trade/Intellectual Property) and a Master of Commercial Law, and previously held the positions of Deputy General Counsel, Acting General Counsel and Board Executive Secretary of CSIRO.
Over the past 20 years, Elisabeth has also undertaken voluntary work with the United Nations Commission for International Trade Law and has held Board roles for organisations focusing on international trade and international commercial arbitration. Elisabeth is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Elisabeth is the Deputy Chair for Munich and looks after the corporate strategy of the Business Council.
Chair, Board Member, Frankfurt
Sabine Pittrof is a partner at international law firm Squire Patton Boggs. Sabine specialises in M&A, private equity and corporate law with an industry focus on renewable energies, having worked in her field for more than 20 years. Sabine also heads up Squire Patton Boggs’ Australian Desk in Germany.
Sabine’s association with Australia goes back more than 25 years. In addition to her German law degree, she holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New South Wales in Sydney; her PhD thesis focused on Australian constitutional law. In 1997, she established DeAN – Deutsch-Australisches Netzwerk e.V., the German-Australian Alumni Association.
Sabine has been a member of the German Australian Business Council for over 20 years, joining the board in 2010. Sabine has held the Chair for ten years, which predominantly involves corporate and international liaison and raising the profile of the German Australian Business Council, demonstrated inter alia in two interviews with Deutsche Welle in 2019.
Deputy Chair, Board Member, Munich
Elisabeth Opie is an international technology lawyer based in Munich, undertaking international policy work, transactions, and dispute resolution with technology-centric companies. Prior to this, Elisabeth was the inaugural Global Research Alliance Fellow, a role supported primarily by the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and Germany’s Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft.
Elisabeth holds a Master of Laws (International Trade/Intellectual Property) and a Master of Commercial Law, and previously held the positions of Deputy General Counsel, Acting General Counsel and Board Executive Secretary of CSIRO.
Over the past 20 years, Elisabeth has also undertaken voluntary work with the United Nations Commission for International Trade Law and has held Board roles for organisations focusing on international trade and international commercial arbitration. Elisabeth is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Elisabeth is the Deputy Chair for Munich and looks after the corporate strategy of the Business Council.
Chair, Board Member, Frankfurt
Sabine Pittrof is a partner at international law firm Squire Patton Boggs. Sabine specialises in M&A, private equity and corporate law with an industry focus on renewable energies, having worked in her field for more than 20 years. Sabine also heads up Squire Patton Boggs’ Australian Desk in Germany.
Sabine’s association with Australia goes back more than 25 years. In addition to her German law degree, she holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New South Wales in Sydney; her PhD thesis focused on Australian constitutional law. In 1997, she established DeAN – Deutsch-Australisches Netzwerk e.V., the German-Australian Alumni Association.
Sabine has been a member of the German Australian Business Council for over 20 years, joining the board in 2010. Sabine has held the Chair for ten years, which predominantly involves corporate and international liaison and raising the profile of the German Australian Business Council, demonstrated inter alia in two interviews with Deutsche Welle in 2019.
Board Member, Frankfurt
Lucia Santoso hailed from Melbourne, Australia, where she studied biomedical engineering and earned her PhD from the University of Melbourne. Her passion for fostering connectivity and driving value out of innovation moved her out of an academic career as a data-scientist to stakeholder management and business development, starting with AusBiotech, then the Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore. She is settled in Mannheim, Germany since 2014, continuing her career in business development at a precision medicine company Molecular Health, a biometric contract research organisation Cytel and currently with an integrated drug development consultancy Venn Life Sciences.
Lucia’s love for connecting the dots and bringing people together drives her to contribute in volunteer board positions to organisations such as BioSingapore, the Healthcare Businesswomen Association, and the German Australian Business Council. At the Council she is responsible for driving the events programme to bring value to the membership.
Board Member, Munich
Lachlan is a Foreign Registered Solicitor based in Munich, where he is assisting with IP licensing issues arising from standard essential patents, negotiation and dispute resolution strategies, and international trade and IP instruments.
Before moving to Germany in 2017, Lachlan was admitted to practise as an Australian lawyer in Melbourne where he regularly appeared in court as a Solicitor advocate.
Lachlan is also admitted as a solicitor in the Republic of Ireland.
Lachlan joined the German Australian Business Council in 2018.
Board Member, Frankfurt
Lucia Santoso hailed from Melbourne, Australia, where she studied biomedical engineering and earned her PhD from the University of Melbourne. Her passion for fostering connectivity and driving value out of innovation moved her out of an academic career as a data-scientist to stakeholder management and business development, starting with AusBiotech, then the Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore. She is settled in Mannheim, Germany since 2014, continuing her career in business development at a precision medicine company Molecular Health, a biometric contract research organisation Cytel and currently with an integrated drug development consultancy Venn Life Sciences.
Lucia’s love for connecting the dots and bringing people together drives her to contribute in volunteer board positions to organisations such as BioSingapore, the Healthcare Businesswomen Association, and the German Australian Business Council. At the Council she is responsible for driving the events programme to bring value to the membership.
Board Member, Munich
Lachlan is a Foreign Registered Solicitor based in Munich, where he is assisting with IP licensing issues arising from standard essential patents, negotiation and dispute resolution strategies, and international trade and IP instruments.
Before moving to Germany in 2017, Lachlan was admitted to practise as an Australian lawyer in Melbourne where he regularly appeared in court as a Solicitor advocate. Lachlan is also admitted as a solicitor in the Republic of Ireland.
Lachlan joined the German Australian Business Council in 2018.
Board Member, Frankfurt
Francesca is a qualified chartered Italian Auditor and a chartered accountant (ACCA).
Francesca commenced her career over 20 years ago with Ernst and Young as an Auditor in Italy.
Over time, she has worked in various roles in finance, accounting, controlling and compliance in the Chemical Industry and Real estate management sector in Europe.
Francesca has a personal interest in furthering Australian German business relationships.
She holds a University degree in Business and Economics from “la Sapienza” in Rome Italy, and professional qualifications.
Board Member, Berlin
Jessica Walker leads the marketing department at cloud delivery and operations company base2Services for Australia, US and Germany. Having lived and worked in Australia for 17 years before relocating to Germany in 2018, Jessica has held various positions in Sales and Marketing. With a Master in International Business and Bachelor in European Business, she is an experienced Marketing Professional with over 20 years of experience in highly technical industries, specializing in cloud services and communications.
She is also a User Group Leader for the AWS Women’s User Group Berlin. Jessica has joined the board of the German-Australian Business Council to support the Events team in Berlin.
Board Member, Frankfurt
Francesca is a qualified chartered Italian Auditor and a chartered accountant (ACCA). Francesca commenced her career over 20 years ago with Ernst and Young as an Auditor in Italy.
Over time, she has worked in various roles in finance, accounting, controlling and compliance in the Chemical Industry and Real estate management sector in Europe.
Francesca has a personal interest in furthering Australian German business relationships.
She holds a University degree in Business and Economics from “la Sapienza” in Rome Italy, and professional qualifications.
Board Member, Berlin
Jessica Walker leads the marketing department at cloud delivery and operations company base2Services for Australia, US and Germany. Having lived and worked in Australia for 17 years before relocating to Germany in 2018, Jessica has held various positions in Sales and Marketing. With a Master in International Business and Bachelor in European Business, she is an experienced Marketing Professional with over 20 years of experience in highly technical industries, specializing in cloud services and communications. She is also a User Group Leader for the AWS Women’s User Group Berlin. Jessica has joined the board of the German-Australian Business Council to support the Events team in Berlin.
