Dr. Paul Grimes is the CEO of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), bringing extensive public sector experience from senior federal and state government roles. He has led several departments, including the NSW Treasury and the Federal Department of Agriculture. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the Australian National University.
Dr. Grimes has a profound focus on climate change and environmental sustainability, evidenced by his recent role as the inaugural Chair of the NSW Net Zero Commission. His career reflects a deep commitment to public service and economic strategy, particularly in response to major national and global challenges.
He was awarded the Public Service Medal for his outstanding work in developing the Australian Governments response to the global financial crisis.
Paul Grimes
Commander
DISC Type :
D
Chief Executive Officer at Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
Reid, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Overview
Personality Overview
Impact-Driven
Decisive
Risk-Taker
They are less concerned about the product and more about its potential impact. They prefer to move quickly, and expect the same from others. They put a lot of effort into ensuring personal success.
Topics They Care About
Net Zero Transition
Served as the inaugural Chair of the NSW Net Zero Commission, tasked with monitoring and reporting on the state's progress towards its emissions reduction targets.
International Trade
As CEO of Austrade, he is focused on helping Australian businesses expand into new markets and attracting foreign investment, particularly from Southeast Asia.
Economic Policy
His career includes leading the NSW Treasury and the Budget Policy Division in the Australian Treasury, demonstrating deep expertise in national economic management.
Media Appearances
Paul has no verified media appearances
Work History
3-2025
Chief Executive Officer at Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
7-2024 - 3-2025
Chair at Net Zero Commission NSW
4-2024 - 3-2025
Member - Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee at Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
5-2023 - 3-2025
Independent Adviser at Self-employed
1-2022 - 4-2023
Secretary at NSW Treasury
4-2020 - 1-2022
Coordinator General - Environment, Energy and Science at NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
1-2018 - 2-2020
Victorian Public Sector Commissioner at Victorian Public Sector Commission
3-2015 - 1-2018
Independent Public Policy Adviser at Paul Grimes
9-2013 - 3-2015
Secretary at Australian Government Department of Agriculture
9-2010 - 9-2013
Secretary at Australian Government Department of Agriculture
8-2009 - 9-2010
Associate Secretary, Domestic Policy Group at Australian Government Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
1-2007 - 8-2009
Deputy Secretary, Budget Group at Australian Government Department of Finance
3-2005 - 1-2007
Chief Executive at Australian Capital Territory Department of Treasury
1-2003 - 2-2005
Deputy Under Treasurer (Deputy Chief Executive) at South Australian Department of Treasury and Finance
6-2000 - 12-2002
General Manager, Budget Policy Division at Australian Government Department of Treasury
6-1999 - 6-2000
Specialist Adviser, Budget Policy at Australian Government Department of the Treasury
8-1998 - 6-1999
Manager, Fiscal Strategy at Australian Government Department of the Treasury
4-1998 - 6-1998
Economist at Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Tourism
3-1996 - 4-1998
Economics Adviser at Office of the Hon. Gareth Evans QC, MP - Deputy Leader of the Opposition
1-1995 - 3-1996
Economics Adviser at Office of the Hon Ralph Willis - Australian Treasurer
7-1992 - 12-1994
Lecturer in Economics at Australian National University
National Archives of Australia at Part-time
Education
1991 - 1994
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from The Australian National University
1990 - 1990
Master’s Degree from The Australian National University
More Information
Social Presence :
Prographics :
Exp : 33
Location : Reid, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Job Level : Leadership
Designation : Chief Executive Officer at Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
