Tim Yeend

Tim Yeend was appointed Associate Secretary in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with responsibility for trade and investment in November 2021. He has over 30 years experience at the highest levels of government and in the international system, providing strategic direction and vision on trade and related issues.

Before assuming his current role, Mr Yeend worked at the World Trade Organization as Principal Adviser and Chief of Staff to former Director-General Roberto Azevedo and current Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iwaela. He also led the World Trade Organization’s engagement with G20 Leaders as WTO Sherpa.

Prior to this, Mr Yeend was the Australian Ambassador to the WTO and other international economic organisations in Geneva. He has also worked in a number of senior positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including overseas assignments in Switzerland, Indonesia and South Africa. He worked as an adviser to former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer and Trade Minister Mark Vaile. He has also worked in the former Departments of Primary Industries and Energy and Transport.

Mr Yeend holds a BA (Hons) from the Australian National University as well as postgraduate qualifications from the UK.

Mr Yeend is married with two adult children.