Strengthening Our WA Presence – Welcoming Paul Kelly to AKBC

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Kelly as the Head of WA Memberships and Business Development at the Australia-Korea Business Council (AKBC).

Based in Perth, Paul will lead AKBC’s engagement with Western Australia’s fast-growing member base, deepen ties with business and government, and drive new opportunities across critical sectors such as energy, mining, technology and trade. His appointment marks a significant step in AKBC’s commitment to strengthening our local presence in Western Australia following the successful hosting of the annual AKBC-KABC Joint Meeting in Perth last year.

Paul brings with him a distinguished career spanning senior executive roles in banking, mining, sport, member-based organisations, and international trade. As a former CEO of Perth Glory FC and National Executive at ME Bank, Paul has built a reputation for revitalising organisations through strategic leadership, commercial insight, and stakeholder engagement. Paul also brings a strong track record in board and advisory roles across sectors including clean technology, gold mining, sports administration and government policy. His deep knowledge of WA’s business landscape and his extensive Australia–Asia networks will be an invaluable asset to AKBC and our members.

In this role, Paul will:

• Support and expand AKBC’s WA membership through tailored engagement;
• Deliver high-impact business and networking events in WA;
• Represent AKBC at key local industry, government and diplomatic forums; and
• Work closely with WA-based board members, industry experts panel and AKBC’s national team to enhance the AKBC's strategy and activities.

Paul’s appointment follows strong demand from members for deeper and more regular engagement in WA. His presence will ensure AKBC is well-positioned to support WA’s vital role in advancing Australia–Korea trade and investment, particularly in the areas of critical minerals and rare earths, energy and other priority sectors for AKBC.  

We warmly welcome Paul to the AKBC team and look forward to introducing him to our members and at our upcoming events in Perth and nationally.

If you would like to meet with Paul or learn more about our WA events, please contact Paul at pkelly@akbc.com.au.