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 22 April 2026.
Board Member, Frankfurt
Janine Elisabeth Dersch is Director Market Access DACH at Hologic, where she leads strategic initiatives to accelerate patient access to innovative diagnostics and medical technologies across the DACH region, with a strong focus on advancing women’s health.
A trained Health Economist from EBS University, Janine specialises in Market Access Management, Health Economics, Government Affairs, healthcare policy, and value-based healthcare strategies. She brings extensive experience in navigating complex reimbursement and regulatory environments while building trusted relationships across the healthcare ecosystem.
Throughout her career, Janine has held senior leadership positions in Market Access, Government Affairs, and Public Policy within internationally operating medical technology companies, including Australian-founded Cochlear, where she was responsible for strategic policy engagement and patient access initiatives in hearing healthcare across Germany and the wider region. She also served as Board Member of Hörregion Hannover, contributing to regional innovation and advocacy in hearing health.
Janine is recognised for her diplomatic approach to stakeholder engagement and her ability to connect industry, policymakers, healthcare providers, and patient organisations in shaping sustainable healthcare solutions. Through her international experience and strong cross-cultural perspective, she actively supports dialogue and collaboration between German and Australian business and healthcare communities.
She looks after policy and government affairs matters for the German Australian Business Council and contributes expertise in public affairs, healthcare transformation, and strategic market development across Europe.
Board Member, Frankfurt
Marc Dostal is a senior management consultant with more than 20 years of experience in capital markets, programme management, and technology transformation. He has spent almost his entire career in consulting, with both mid-sized firms and Big Four practices. His clients are international banks and financial institutions, which he advises on large-scale delivery and transformation programmes for their trading and risk platforms.
Marc’s focus lies at the interface between IT and business stakeholders, and on building and leading international teams across multiple locations — in particular Eastern Europe and India.
He has delivered projects across several European countries and the United States and was based in Switzerland for four years.
Marc’s connection to Australia dates back to 1998, when he spent a Study Abroad year at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane.
He holds a Dipl.-Ing. degree in Electrical Engineering and is based in Frankfurt.
Board Member, Frankfurt
Janine Elisabeth Dersch is Director Market Access DACH at Hologic, where she leads strategic initiatives to accelerate patient access to innovative diagnostics and medical technologies across the DACH region, with a strong focus on advancing women’s health.
A trained Health Economist from EBS University, Janine specialises in Market Access Management, Health Economics, Government Affairs, healthcare policy, and value-based healthcare strategies. She brings extensive experience in navigating complex reimbursement and regulatory environments while building trusted relationships across the healthcare ecosystem.
Board Member, Frankfurt
Marc Dostal is a senior management consultant with more than 20 years of experience in capital markets, programme management, and technology transformation. He has spent almost his entire career in consulting, with both mid-sized firms and Big Four practices. His clients are international banks and financial institutions, which he advises on large-scale delivery and transformation programmes for their trading and risk platforms.
Marc’s focus lies at the interface between IT and business stakeholders, and on building and leading international teams across multiple locations — in particular Eastern Europe and India.
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.
Co-Chair, 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
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.
Co-Chair, 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
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, Berlin
Daniel works in Venture Capital at Drees & Sommer SE, where he leads a team focused on strategic investment, business creation and M&A in the Real Estate, Energy and Infrastructure industries.
Previously, he was Global Head of Commercial for Niterra Ventures, leading Venture Investment and Business Creation activities with a focus on Energy, Mobility and Healthcare.
Before that, Daniel held multiple M&A consulting roles at PwC, covering both the EMEA and Asia regions for more than 8 years. Daniel is a qualified Chartered Accountant (CAANZ) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from Monash University. Originating from Melbourne, Australia, Daniel holds dual German & Australian nationality.
Co-Chair, Board Member, Frankfurt
Sabine Pittrof is a partner at Andersen in Germany. 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 25 years.
Sabine’s association with Australia goes back more than 30 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. She was interviewed twice by Deutsche Welle in 2019.
Sabine has been a member of the German Australian Business Council for over 25 years, joining the board in 2010. Sabine held the role of Chair for 12 years, and was pleased to be joined by Rob Harrison as Co-Chair in early 2025. In her role as Co-Chair she focusses on corporate and international liaison and raising the profile of the German Australian Business Council. She also heads the focus group on renewable energies and hydrogen, which recently issued the report “H2 – Beyond the Hype” H2 – Beyond the Hype Report
Board Member, Berlin
Daniel works in Venture Capital at Drees & Sommer SE, where he leads a team focused on strategic investment, business creation and M&A in the Real Estate, Energy and Infrastructure industries.
Previously, he was Global Head of Commercial for Niterra Ventures, leading Venture Investment and Business Creation activities with a focus on Energy, Mobility and Healthcare.
Before that, Daniel held multiple M&A consulting roles at PwC, covering both the EMEA and Asia regions for more than 8 years. Daniel is a qualified Chartered Accountant (CAANZ) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from Monash University. Originating from Melbourne, Australia, Daniel holds dual German & Australian nationality.
Co-Chair, Board Member, Frankfurt
Sabine Pittrof is a partner at Andersen in Germany. 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 25 years.
Sabine’s association with Australia goes back more than 30 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. She was interviewed twice by Deutsche Welle in 2019.
Sabine has been a member of the German Australian Business Council for over 25 years, joining the board in 2010. Sabine held the role of Chair for 12 years, and was pleased to be joined by Rob Harrison as Co-Chair in early 2025. In her role as Co-Chair she focusses on corporate and international liaison and raising the profile of the German Australian Business Council. She also heads the focus group on renewable energies and hydrogen, which recently issued the report “H2 – Beyond the Hype” H2 – Beyond the Hype Report
Deputy Treasurer, Board Member, Frankfurt
Matthew Reynolds is Head of Global Markets at Dr. Reuter Investor Relations and CEO of boutique consultancy and advisory firm, Austlinx.
Matthew specialises in assisting ASX and globally listed corporations with dual listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and engaging with European retail, sophisticated and institutional investors. Through his consultancy, Austlinx, he also works on projects such as grant applications for Australian companies in Europe, project finance, and discussions with strategic investors.
Matthew holds a Bachelor of Accounting/Finance from the University of New South Wales in Sydney and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1992.
Matthew has been a member of the German Australian Business Council for over 5 years, joining the board in 2024.
Matthew is passionate about assisting Australian companies engage with European investors and stakeholders and increasing the awareness in Europe for ASX small -mid cap companies.
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.
Deputy Treasurer, Board Member, Frankfurt
Matthew Reynolds is Head of Global Markets at Dr. Reuter Investor Relations and CEO of boutique consultancy and advisory firm, Austlinx.
Matthew specialises in assisting ASX and globally listed corporations with dual listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and engaging with European retail, sophisticated and institutional investors. Through his consultancy, Austlinx, he also works on projects such as grant applications for Australian companies in Europe, project finance, and discussions with strategic investors.
Matthew holds a Bachelor of Accounting/Finance from the University of New South Wales in Sydney and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1992.
Matthew has been a member of the German Australian Business Council for over 5 years, joining the board in 2024.
Matthew is passionate about assisting Australian companies engage with European investors and stakeholders and increasing the awareness in Europe for ASX small -mid cap companies.
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
Jil holds a Master’s degree in International Marketing & Sales and has developed her professional career across strategy, communications, and AI. She has gained experience in marketing roles at Google and BayWa AG, as well as in the fintech sector, where she contributed to brand development, supported transformation initiatives, and led international marketing activities. In parallel to her corporate career, Jil is also active in marketing consulting within the cosmetics industry.
Jil’s connection to Australia began early in her life, having lived in Perth for several years during her childhood before relocating to Southern Germany. She has since returned on multiple occasions, maintaining a strong personal and cultural connection to the country.
Driven by a genuine passion for connecting people and ideas, Jil contributes to the German Australian Business Council by supporting communications and fostering engagement between German and Australian business communities.
Treasurer, 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, Munich
Jil holds a Master’s degree in International Marketing & Sales and has developed her professional career across strategy, communications, and AI. She has gained experience in marketing roles at Google and BayWa AG, as well as in the fintech sector, where she contributed to brand development, supported transformation initiatives, and led international marketing activities. In parallel to her corporate career, Jil is also active in marketing consulting within the cosmetics industry.
Jil’s connection to Australia began early in her life, having lived in Perth for several years during her childhood before relocating to Southern Germany. She has since returned on multiple occasions, maintaining a strong personal and cultural connection to the country.
Treasurer, 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, Cologne
Logan D. Williams is an Australian-born Kiwi financial planner and relocation specialist based in Cologne, supporting international professionals and founders—particularly non-European individuals—in establishing themselves in Germany.
He currently advises over 900 active clients across North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, with a focus on financial structuring, relocation, and practical market entry into Germany.
Logan has worked extensively with small and family-run businesses navigating relocation, setup, and early-stage operations, giving him a strong understanding of the structural, financial, and cultural challenges involved in entering the German market.
Before transitioning into financial planning, Logan worked in international insurance partnerships and spent several years collaborating with universities and global mobility programmes across Europe and beyond.
He is connected to the startup ecosystem in North Rhine-Westphalia, and focuses on linking international founders with local infrastructure and opportunities.
Logan joined the board of the German-Australian Business Council to support the development of a stronger presence in North Rhine-Westphalia, with a focus on in-person events, founder connections, and creating practical entry points for Australian businesses in Germany and Europe.
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, Cologne
Logan D. Williams is an Australian-born Kiwi financial planner and relocation specialist based in Cologne, supporting international professionals and founders—particularly non-European individuals—in establishing themselves in Germany.
He currently advises over 900 active clients across North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, with a focus on financial structuring, relocation, and practical market entry into Germany .
Logan has worked extensively with small and family-run businesses navigating relocation, setup, and early-stage operations, giving him a strong understanding of the structural, financial, and cultural challenges involved in entering the German market.
We encourage you to contact any members of our Board if you have any specific questions.
FRANKFURT
Sabine Pittrof (Co-Chair)
sabine.pittrof@gabc.eu
MUNICH
Robert Harrison (Co-Chair)
robert.harrison@gabc.eu
BERLIN
Jessica Walker
jessica.walker@gabc.eu
COLOGNE
Logan D. Williams
logan.williams@gabc.eu
EVENTS
Dietrich Klusemann (Events Frankfurt)
dietrich.klusemann@gabc.eu
Katrina Loughrey (Events Berlin)
kat.loughrey@gabc.eu
Daniel Maccarrone (Next Gen Events, Events Berlin)
daniel.maccarrone@gabc.eu
Lucia Santoso (Events Frankfurt)
lucia.santoso@gabc.eu
Jil Schmid (Events Munich)
jil.schmid@gabc.eu
Jessica Walker (Events Berlin)
jessica.walker@gabc.eu
Logan D. Williams (Events NRW)
logan.williams@gabc.eu
FINANCE
Matthew Reynolds
matthew.reynolds@gabc.eu
Francesca Ubaldi
francesca.ubaldi@gabc.eu
BOARD MEMBER CONTACT DETAILS
Janine Dersch (Events Frankfurt), Frankfurt
janine.dersch@gabc.eu
Marc Dostal (Events Frankfurt), Frankfurt
marc.dostal@gabc.eu
Marie du Puy (Events Frankfurt), Frankfurt
marie.dupuy@gabc.eu
André Haermeyer (Liaison with government entities), Frankfurt
andre.haermeyer@gabc.eu
Robert Harrison (Co-Chair, Policy Development, Corporate Contacts and Events Munich), Munich
robert.harrison@gabc.eu
Dietrich Klusemann (Events Frankfurt), Frankfurt
dietrich.klusemann@gabc.eu
Katrina Loughrey (Events Berlin), Berlin
kat.loughrey@gabc.eu
Daniel Maccarrone (Next Gen, Events Berlin), Berlin
daniel.maccarrone@gabc.eu
Sabine Pittrof (Co-Chair, Corporate Contacts, Liaison with Patrons, Liaison with International Group, Legal), Frankfurt
sabine.pittrof@gabc.eu
Matthew Reynolds (Deputy Treasurer), Frankfurt
matthew.reynolds@gabc.eu
Lucia Santoso (Events Frankfurt), Frankfurt
lucia.santoso@gabc.eu
Jil Schmid (Events Munich), Munich
jil.schmid@gabc.eu
Anna Thwaites (Events Frankfurt), Frankfurt
anna.thwaites@gabc.eu
Francesca Ubaldi (Treasuer), Frankfurt
francesca.ubaldi@gabc.eu
Jessica Walker (Events Berlin), Berlin
jessica.walker@gabc.eu
Logan D. Williams (Events NRW), Cologne
logan.williams@gabc.eu
