City of Melbourne has announced its inaugural Invest Melbourne board, which will ramp up work to attract new investment, create jobs and boost local businesses in the city.
Financial services executive, Amanda Coombs, has been appointed as Chair of the board to lead a group of experts to maximise investment opportunities.
Ms Coombs is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of boutique asset management firm, River Capital, and brings 20 years’ experience in banking, financial markets and early stage investing to Council’s investment promotion agency.
“Melbourne has a track record of creating industry hubs that attract further talent and investment into our city,” Ms Coombs said.
“The Invest Melbourne board will draw on the wide-ranging expertise, experience and networks of its members to provide additional momentum and focus to efforts to attract significant investment from and partnership with business.”
Ms Coombs will be joined on the board by the following industry leaders from several priority growth sectors:
- Andrew Carter – Commercial Eyes Founder and Managing Director, with more than 30 years’ experience in the medical technology and pharmaceutical industries
- David Chen – JPC International CEO and specialist in logistics, supply chain and strategic procurement, particularly in the Asia Pacific region
- Amy Foo – Culture Amp Senior Vice President, and expert in technology and digital innovation
- Ian McCall – Former Deloitte and SPP Management Consultants partner, with more than 35 years’ experience in ICT and digital innovation
- Scott Tanner – Executive Chairman of Kay & Burton and Chairman of the Committee for Melbourne, with a strong background in banking, wealth management, insurance, retail and professional services
- Rachel Watson – Former Pacific Hydro Australia CEO, with an extensive knowledge of the energy industry
- Dr Julie Wells – Vice President Strategy and Culture at the University of Melbourne, with a strong history of leadership in higher education
Invest Melbourne was set up in 2021 to respond to the economic impacts of COVID-19 and cement the CIty’s position as a key player on the world stage. It has created a strategic plan to attract investment of more than 40 projects across multiple sectors, which could create more than 6,000 jobs and generate $1 billion in capital expenditure.
The board has been appointed for an initial 18-month term and will hold its inaugural meeting in the coming months.
The board will provide targeted strategic advice to the City of Melbourne on the delivery of business development initiatives to secure more investment from all over the globe.
The Board will also champion Invest Melbourne to local and international business communities, bolster relationships with government departments, industry associations and other prominent stakeholders, and propose new ways to streamline business processes.
Melbourne Lord Mayor, Sally Capp, welcomed the new Board and the wealth of expertise it brings to the City’s economic vision.
“The Invest Melbourne board will further boost our capabilities, providing independent expertise on business initiatives and promotion opportunities ranging from life sciences and technology, to finance and clean energy,” Mayor Capp said.
“As our borders continue to open to the world, we want Melbourne to be the destination of choice for global headquarters, research and development centres and the biggest projects – and our expert board will help us do just that.
“More than 60 businesses looking to establish in Australia have already been identified, and Invest Melbourne is actively targeting these organisations to choose Melbourne over any other capital city.”
City Activation Portfolio Lead, Councillor Roshena Campbell, said, “Attracting investment and creating jobs in our city is one of the most important things we can do to ensure Melbourne bounces back post-COVID. The appointment of this board will bring key industry experience to Invest Melbourne.”
Business and Global Opportunities Portfolio Lead, Councillor Kevin Louey, said, “We’re looking forward to working with the board to attract significant investment in Melbourne and make it even easier for businesses to operate in our city.”
