In November 2021, Mr Tim Yeend  was appointed to the newly created position of Associate Secretary for Trade and Investment in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The creation of the new senior executive position recognises the importance of trade and investment issues in Australia's strategic and economic policy settings. It also sends a strong signal of Australia's support for a strong and robust global trading system where Mr Yeend has particular experience from his time working at the WTO.

“The new position comes at a crucial time for Australia's international economic and trade interests, with both new challenges and considerable new opportunities on the horizon,” former Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister Dan Tehan said.

“We need to invest in assuring our economic environment remains strong and stable and offers more opportunity for our exporters if we are to continue to support our nation's future prosperity. Mr Yeend's skillset and extensive international experience sees him well-placed to support the Australian government on these critical issues.”

Mr Yeend 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.

Until early 2021, Mr Yeend was working at the World Trade Organization as Principal Adviser and Chief of Staff to the current and former Director-General. He has also served in a number of senior trade-related positions for the Australian Government including as Ambassador to the WTO and other international economic organisations in Geneva.