In Episode 73, “The True Ally Amongst Friends”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to April Palmerlee, Chief Executive Officer of the American Chamber of Commerce Australia (AmCham).
April transports us to Washington, D.C., into the world of American politics and foreign policy, with insights to figures including President George W. Bush, Secretary Colin Powell and Dr Henry Kissinger. We are taken across borders, from her time advocating for women’s issues on the ground during the War on Terror in Afghanistan to fostering United States business and investment relationships with Australia. From the innovative American entrepreneurial mindset to the challenges limiting greater business investment in Australia, April brings to light the endless possibilities available to Australia through its strong and unique alliance with the United States.
With a quarter of all foreign direct investment in Australia coming from the United States, AmCham is one of the most significant international business organisations in Australia, promoting two-way trade and investment and standing up for business for over 60 years. April is also a Director of The Centre for Independent Studies and Georgetown University’s Centre for Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Studies and Founder of Pink Skirt Productions, an organisation that established easily accessible ultra-marathon races. She previously held roles at the University of Sydney’s United States Studies Centre, the Lowy Institute for International Policy, the Council of Foreign Relations, the United States Department of State, and worked closely with renowned couturier Oscar de la Renta.

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