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 27 April 2022.
Treasurer, Board Member, Munich
Eberhard was the Director Finance Transition Management at Atos IT Solutions and Services based in Munich. His professional experience started with Siemens in 1974. As a worldwide acting conglomerate, Siemens offered Eberhard the opportunity to work in different areas and different countries. Over time, he worked in Accounting, Sales, Controlling, Marketing, R&D, Consulting, Procurement and Productivity Improvement Programs.
He gained experience internationally in Colombia (1979/1980), USA (1996) and Australia (2001/2002). He has more than 25 years IT knowledge combined with management capabilities i.e. as CFO of worldwide acting business units
Eberhard is specialized in process improvement programs. When Atos took over the IT Business from Siemens in 2011, Eberhard was responsible for the worldwide Finance Target Operating Model of the new built 9 billion € revenue company.
Since retiring in May 2017, he offers consultancy services.
Eberhard joined the German Australian Business Council in 2005. Within the GABC Board he is responsible for the finances (treasurer) and events in Munich.
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.
Treasurer, Board Member, Munich
Eberhard was the Director Finance Transition Management at Atos IT Solutions and Services based in Munich. His professional experience started with Siemens in 1974. As a worldwide acting conglomerate, Siemens offered Eberhard the opportunity to work in different areas and different countries. Over time, he worked in Accounting, Sales, Controlling, Marketing, R&D, Consulting, Procurement and Productivity Improvement Programs.
He gained experience internationally in Colombia (1979/1980), USA (1996) and Australia (2001/2002). He has more than 25 years IT knowledge combined with management capabilities i.e. as CFO of worldwide acting business units.
Eberhard is specialized in process improvement programs. When Atos took over the IT Business from Siemens in 2011, Eberhard was responsible for the worldwide Finance Target Operating Model of the new built 9 billion € revenue company.
Since retiring in May 2017, he offers consultancy services.
Eberhard joined the German Australian Business Council in 2005. Within the GABC Board he is responsible for the finances (treasurer) and events in Munich.
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.
Deputy Treasurer, Board Member, Frankfurt
Peter began his career in Information Technology with British Telecom in 1978. He has worked for a number of international organisations including the Royal Saudi Airforce, Warner Brothers, the BBC, Petroleum Development Oman and Hewlett-Packard and lived and worked in the UK, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Italy, Australia, Oman and Germany.
He was born in Wales, emigrated to Australia at the age of 40 and now lives in Frankfurt. He has a BA (Hons.) in Politics and History from Exeter University, a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Leeds University and a BA in Visual Art, majoring in Furniture Design, from the Australian National University in Canberra.
Peter joined the board in 2023 and as Deputy Treasurer he works directly with the Treasurer but also supports the portfolios of other board members as required.
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.
Deputy Treasurer, Board Member, Frankfurt
Peter began his career in Information Technology with British Telecom in 1978. He has worked for a number of international organisations including the Royal Saudi Airforce, Warner Brothers, the BBC, Petroleum Development Oman and Hewlett-Packard and lived and worked in the UK, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Italy, Australia, Oman and Germany.
He was born in Wales, emigrated to Australia at the age of 40 and now lives in Frankfurt. He has a BA (Hons.) in Politics and History from Exeter University, a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Leeds University and a BA in Visual Art, majoring in Furniture Design, from the Australian National University in Canberra.
Peter joined the board in 2023 and as Deputy Treasurer he works directly with the Treasurer but also supports the portfolios of other board members as required.
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.
Deputy Chair, Board Member, Berlin
Evangelos relocated from Sydney to Berlin in late 2010 and is the CEO of Sonic Healthcare Continental Europe and Sonic Healthcare Germany. Before relocating to Germany to establish a new Sonic head-office, he spent several years working in Sonic Healthcare´s Sydney head-office as Business Development Director.
Prior to joining Sonic Healthcare, Evangelos had a career in investment banking with J.P.Morgan´s healthcare investment banking team in New York, London and Sydney.
He has a background in economics and finance with a degree from the University of Hamburg and spent an Honours year at Sydney University.
Sonic Healthcare is the largest Australian employer in Europe, with approx. 12,000 staff based in its medical laboratories across Germany, Switzerland, the UK, Benelux and Ireland.
Evangelos is the Deputy Chair for Berlin and looks after events in Berlin as well as corporate liaison matters.
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.
Deputy Chair, Board Member, Berlin
Evangelos relocated from Sydney to Berlin in late 2010 and is the CEO of Sonic Healthcare Continental Europe and Sonic Healthcare Germany. Before relocating to Germany to establish a new Sonic head-office, he spent several years working in Sonic Healthcare´s Sydney head-office as Business Development Director.
Prior to joining Sonic Healthcare, Evangelos had a career in investment banking with J.P.Morgan´s healthcare investment banking team in New York, London and Sydney.
He has a background in economics and finance with a degree from the University of Hamburg and spent an Honours year at Sydney University.
Sonic Healthcare is the largest Australian employer in Europe, with approx. 12,000 staff based in its medical laboratories across Germany, Switzerland, the UK, Benelux and Ireland.
Evangelos is the Deputy Chair for Berlin and looks after events in Berlin as well as corporate liaison matters.
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.
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.
Board Member, Frankfurt
Peirui is Director, Europe and North America with Business Events Sydney (BESydney), a not-for-profit bidding organization funded by the New South Wales (NSW) Australia government and local stakeholders to secure global business meetings for Sydney and NSW. Peirui has over 15 years’ of global experience including working for the Singapore government in strategy consulting, account management and business development.
Peirui has a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor in Business Administration (Hospitality) from Michigan State University. Peirui joined the Board of the German Australian Business Council in 2016 and oversees its portfolio of events.
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
Peirui is Director, Europe and North America with Business Events Sydney (BESydney), a not-for-profit bidding organization funded by the New South Wales (NSW) Australia government and local stakeholders to secure global business meetings for Sydney and NSW. Peirui has over 15 years’ of global experience including working for the Singapore government in strategy consulting, account management and business development.
Peirui has a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor in Business Administration (Hospitality) from Michigan State University. Peirui joined the Board of the German Australian Business Council in 2016 and oversees its portfolio of events.
Board Member, Munich
Dalibor Vukadin completed his focal point of International Economics at the La Trobe University in Bundoora (Victoria, Australia) in 2003 and holds a Diploma in Economic Sciences. Throughout the years, Dalibor Vukadin remained connected to the La Trobe University and has been appointed as an International Alumni Ambassador.
Dalibor Vukadin also studied Spanish at the Universidad Politécnica de Valéncia (Spain) and obtained the Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera, issued by the the Instituto Cervantes in Madrid.
On the professional side, he has been working in the financial industry since 2012. Back in 2005 he completed a traineeship at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg (France) – Directorate General of Social Cohesion.
Dali joined the German Australian Business Council in 2015 and has been on the board since 2019. He looks after events in Munich and co-leads the academic and research initiative of the Business
Board Member, Berlin
Simone is working for Siemens Medium Voltage and Systems and is based in Berlin. Her profession started more than 20 Years ago at Siemens Berlin. She has worked in several functions such as product management, purchasing, engineering and is now Head of Quality Management and Global Customer Care for the Business Unit.
She studied mechanical engineering in Osnabrück and got an MBA in Cambridge, GB.
Simone joined the German Australian Business Council in 2012 and looks after events in Berlin.
Board Member, Munich
Dalibor Vukadin completed his focal point of International Economics at the La Trobe University in Bundoora (Victoria, Australia) in 2003 and holds a Diploma in Economic Sciences. Throughout the years, Dalibor Vukadin remained connected to the La Trobe University and has been appointed as an International Alumni Ambassador.
Dalibor Vukadin also studied Spanish at the Universidad Politécnica de Valéncia (Spain) and obtained the Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera, issued by the the Instituto Cervantes in Madrid.
On the professional side, he has been working in the financial industry since 2012. Back in 2005 he completed a traineeship at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg (France) – Directorate General of Social Cohesion.
Dali joined the German Australian Business Council in 2015 and has been on the board since 2019. He looks after events in Munich and co-leads the academic and research initiative of the Business
Board Member, Berlin
Simone is working for Siemens Medium Voltage and Systems and is based in Berlin. Her profession started more than 20 Years ago at Siemens Berlin. She has worked in several functions such as product management, purchasing, engineering and is now Head of Quality Management and Global Customer Care for the Business Unit.
She studied mechanical engineering in Osnabrück and got an MBA in Cambridge, GB.
Simone joined the German Australian Business Council in 2012 and looks after events in Berlin.
