The South Australian Government has appointed a new regional director to strengthen the state's industry, economic, trade and investment partnerships with the world's second largest economy, following the recently signed Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
The State Government has appointed Rosanne Brand, an experienced business executive, as Regional Director for the United Kingdom and Europe.
Based in London, Rosanne will lead the Office of the Agent General in connecting South Australian businesses with trade, export, and investment opportunities across the region.
Rosanne brings a combination of national security experience and commercial acumen to the role, having advised the Australian Defence Force and Federal Government on matters of strategic importance, while also driving market expansion for some of Australia's most promising start-ups and scale-ups.
The appointment comes after a significant trade deal was finalised by the Australian Government in March with the European Union - a large, high-income market of around 450 million people.
The Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement, which will come into effect over the next two years, will result in 98 per cent of Australia's goods entering the European Union duty free.
The agreement eliminates tariffs on exports such as wine, seafood and horticulture and make it easier for South Australian businesses to attract foreign investment from the EU, supporting local economic growth and job creation.
Already a billion-dollar market, South Australian exports to the EU have risen 21 per cent to $1.11 billion in the year to February 2026.
The new Regional Director will also seek trade opportunities in the United Kingdom which is already one of the state's largest trading partners, with exports valued at more than $421 million in the year to February 2026.
In 2024, the South Australian Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Kingdom to forge closer ties in critical technology, renewable energy and defence sectors – further building on the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement and the AUKUS defence security agreement.
The Office of the Agent General is one of 17 international offices the State Government has across strategically important markets. These offices work to match local South Australian business with international partnership opportunities across exports and investment.
As put by Chris Picton
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Rosanne Brand to this key position within our government's UK and EU trade office.
The Australian-European Union Free Trade Agreement has the potential to facilitate greater EU investment in South Australia, supporting economic growth and more jobs.
That's why the South Australian Government is acting to make sure local companies have unparalleled access and support.
The European Union recently become a billion-dollar export market for South Australia, and through this appointment we're enabling further export growth for years to come.
As put by Regional Director - United Kingdom and Europe, Office of the Agent General, Rosanne Brand
I feel incredibly fortunate to take on this role at such a consequential moment. South Australia has extraordinary potential on the world stage, and I'm excited to be joining the established expert team to help realise it
This agreement couldn't come at a better time. Businesses are navigating real headwinds - geopolitical uncertainty, shifting supply chains, volatile markets. Having the right partnerships in place is essential.
Twenty-seven countries. Over 450 million consumers. The breadth of this agreement is significant - and so is our ambition. Defence and defence manufacturing will be a priority, and the opportunities span the full breadth of our economy, from critical minerals to food, and protecting the strong foundations we've built in markets like wine.
The South Australian Government has made a deliberate, consistent commitment to growth through trade and investment.
