Mark Thirlwell GAICD

Mark joined the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) as Chief Economist in February 2019. His previous role was Head of Research and Chief Economist at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).

During his time at Austrade, Mark wrote extensively on Australia’s evolving international trade and investment profile and delivered regular presentations and seminars on the Australian and global economies to both domestic and international audiences, including foreign investors.   

Before his time at Austrade, Mark spent ten years as the inaugural Director of the Lowy Institute’s International Economy Program, where he worked, wrote and presented on a range of issues relating to the international economic environment. These issues included the future of globalisation, the rise of emerging markets, the return of geo-economics and Australia’s shifting place in the world economy. Mark went on to become a Fellow at the Institute’s G20 Studies Centre, which he helped establish.    

Mark is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, holds economics degrees from Oxford and Cambridge universities and a postgraduate qualification in Applied Finance from Macquarie university. 

Mark writes a weekly economic update for AICD members as well as a monthly column in Company Director magazine. You can also listen to him on the AICD’s weekly Dismal Science podcast.