CHAMBER ARCHIVES

Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry announces appointment of new CEO

Posted 30/06/10 by Fremantle Chamber

Thursday June 17, 2010.  The Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI) Chairman Mr. Ray Najar, has announced the appointment of a Ms. Cynthia Dearin as the Chamber’s new Chief Executive.  Ms. Cynthia Dearin replaces Mr. Robert Newton who leaves the Chamber after three very successful years.
 
Ms. Dearin, is an Australian-qualified legal practitioner with extensive experience and insight gained from working in a range of different Arab countries. From 2006 until 2010, Ms. Dearin worked as a governance advisor to the Government of Iraq on behalf of international donor agencies including the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the European Union (EU), the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US Department of Defense.
 
Ms. Dearin’s work in Baghdad and Erbil focused on promoting reforms to investment and procurement laws, and supporting investment promotion in Iraq. She also assisted federal agencies in negotiating and concluding international commercial contracts and resolving commercial disputes.
 
From 2001 to 2005 Ms. Dearin was a political officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade. During this time, she held diplomatic posts in Egypt, the UAE and Qatar, where trade and investment promotion was an important part of her role.
 
Ms. Dearin holds a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours)/International Studies and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the University of Technology, Sydney and a Master of Science (Middle East Politics) (First Class Honours) from the School of Oriental & African Studies, London. She is proficient in written and spoken Arabic and French, and uses her language skills in a professional capacity.
 
“In my new role as AACCI’s CEO, I look forward to working closely with the national Board and State Chapters to capitalize on the Chamber’s high profile, expertise, insight and reputation as we develop new initiatives and programs that will be of value to members and facilitate trade / investment opportunities between Australia and the Arab world,” said Ms. Dearin. 
 
In welcoming AACCI’s new CEO, Mr. Najar, said “Ms. Dearin’s solid management experience, skills and personal background gained in Arab countries will be of immense value to the Chamber as it addresses the complex challenges that lie ahead and the organization responds to the diverse requirements and expectations of its rapidly growing membership base.”
 
Mr. Najar also paid special tribute to the work of Mr. Newton who had raised the profile of the Chamber and its brand to a new level, and had promoted high standards of corporate governance in the organization.
 
Additionally, Mr. Newton brought strong market awareness to Chamber members, especially with respect to the potential of new trade and service activities in Iraq.  He has also been a strong advocate for the Chamber to conduct an International Conference and Expo in Melbourne later this year in October.
 
“The Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry is dedicated to strengthening bilateral trade and Australia Arab world relations by building strong economic, commercial and cultural ties.  I am confident that the Ms. Dearin’s expertise and experience will provide the leadership and enthusiasm that will continue to drive the Chamber’s reputation as the premier Australia Arab business council,” concluded Mr. Najar.