QLD | C-Suite Luncheon: Why invest in Queensland - Exploring Opportunities and Advantages

The FACCI - French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry​​ QLD Chapter was delighted to host C-level executives from Australian and French organisations at the C-Suite Luncheon: Why Invest in Queensland? Opportunities and Advantages on Wednesday, 27 March at Holding Redlich​​.

The C-Suite Luncheon provided an excellent opportunity for our guests to enrich the discussion on why Queensland is a great place to invest and do business.

We had the honour of welcoming H.E Pierre-Andre Imbert, Ambassador of France to Australia, who highlighted the importance of collaboration between Australia and France, underscoring the shared commitment of both countries to addressing global climate challenges.

The Hon Grace Grace, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Industrial Relations, and Racing, emphasised Queensland's focus on transitioning to renewable energy as a top priority. She highlighted the State's commitment to supporting businesses, alongside its reputation as a vibrant science hub with leading universities driving research and development.

Justin McGowan, CEO of Trade and investment Queensland highlighted the significant investment pouring into Queensland's hydrogen sector from various countries, including the US, Japan, and Korea. He emphasised the abundance of investment opportunities available in Queensland and noted that the challenge lies in fostering interest and collaboration.

Following these presentations, our guests engaged in a dynamic discussion while enjoying a refined lunch.

Among our distinguished guests who shared their insights on the topic were Stephen Burton – Partner and Head of the Construction and Infrastructure Department at Holding Redlich; Michael Carreiras – FACCI Queensland Chapter President and Managing Director at OP2; Alex Cruickshank – General Manager at Air Liquide; Sarah Cumming – Head of the Sydney Office at the Embassy of France to Australia; Rachel Drew – Queensland Managing Partner at Holding Redlich; Alain Etchegaray – Vice president of FACCI Queensland Chapter and Honorary Consul of France in Brisbane; Kam Ho – Managing Director APAC at TotalEnergies H2; Kurt Hopkins – Policy advisor at the Queensland Government; Dave Johnson – CEO Australia at EDF Renewables; Thierry Kalfon – CEO Australia & South East Asia at Engie Renewables; Sarah Lindeman – Corporate Affairs Lead Vaccines at Sanofi; Charel Scholtz – CFO at Airbus; Ralph Smith – Global Sales Director at Dassault / GEOVIA; Carlos Urbano – Vice President at Schneider Electric; Jeanne Vallade – FACCI Queensland Chapter Secretary and Special Counsel at Holding Redlich; John Walsh – Managing Director at Spiecapag; Kevin Werksman – CEO ANZ at Suez; Alex Yee – CEO ANZ at Egis and Myriam Robillard - FACCI QLD Head of Chapter. 

We believe these C-Suite roundtables are important to ensure that we collectively progress with comprehensive knowledge and an understanding of what is essential to achieve our common goals.

We extend our gratitude to our sponsor and host Holding Redlich​, as well as to all our attendees, whose valuable contributions made this event a memorable experience and led to meaningful discussions.