Chris Rees FAICD

Captain
DISC Type : DS

Head of Client Development Services at Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Overview

Chris is a seasoned international business expert with 39 years of experience, specializing in fostering trade between Australia and Asia. A graduate of Griffith University and UNSW, he has held numerous diplomatic posts for Austrade, including Consul General in Japan. He now leverages this experience as Head of International Programs at Supply Nation, focusing on global opportunities for Indigenous businesses.

Deeply passionate about cross-cultural engagement, Chris has spent 19 years in Asia and is fluent in Japanese. His long-standing commitment to Japan is evident through his career and recent keynote speeches on Australia-Japan relations. He is also a dedicated champion for advancing Indigenous enterprises on the world stage.

Unique fact: Chris was Australias very first Consul and Trade Commissioner in Fukuoka, Japan.

Personality Overview

Long-Term Thinker

Consummate Professional

Output-Driven

Reading between the lines and seeing beyond your words comes naturally to them.  They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily. They exhibit a rare combination of being result-oriented but patient at the same time.

Topics They Care About

Indigenous Business Success
He developed Austrade's Indigenous International Business Strategy and now leads international programs at Supply Nation, a non-profit supporting Indigenous enterprises.
Australia-Japan Relations
With extensive experience as Consul General in Osaka and fluency in Japanese, he frequently delivers keynote speeches on this topic.
International Trade Diplomacy
His career spans decades as a Trade Commissioner and diplomat, acting as a bridge between Australian commercial interests and Asian markets.

Media Appearances

Chris has no verified media appearances

Work History

5-2020 - 10-2021
Head of Client Development Services at Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
1-2018 - 5-2020
Head Of Partnerships at Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
9-2016 - 1-2018
Assistant General Manager, Northern Australia Delivery at Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
2-2013 - 9-2016
Senior Trade Commissioner - Singapore at Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
2-2013 - 9-2016
Board Member at AustCham Singapore

Education

2014 - 2014
International Company Directors Course from Australian Institute of Company Directors
2000 - 2000
e-Business from IMD

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 38 Location : Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Job Level : N/A Designation : Head of Client Development Services at Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
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Insights For Selling To Chris

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • You can spend time on BANT (or other qualification methodology) but keep it to the point
  • Use phrases like 'your team deserves', 'best in class' etc.
  • During followups, use phone or text if needed, they should be fine

DONT's

  • Avoid putting conscious effort into relationship-building
  • Don't take their patience for granted, avoid long-winding sermons
  • Don't shy away from asking hard questions, but be extra polite

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Chris is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Chris

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Chris move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can Chris take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And Chris

Personality Compatibility


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