HSBC Australia’s newly appointed Head of German Desk is driving new business opportunities between Germany and his adopted home in Sydney.
Johannes Zimmermann has been appointed as head of HSBC Australia’s newly created German Desk to develop the valuable business corridor between Australia and Germany.
Johannes joins Australia’s Commercial Banking team from HSBC in Germany, where he spent the last seven years supporting large companies that were looking to grow their businesses or export to offshore markets, including China, the United States and Australia.
In his role, Johannes will work closely with German multi-national companies that have a presence in Australia, to understand their financial requirements and provide support for their growth ambitions. “Despite the distance between the two countries, I’ll be in regular contact with my networks across Europe to help develop relationships across the Germany-Australia business corridor”, says Johannes.
“Maintaining close relationships with colleagues in Germany and other German speaking countries, such as Switzerland and Austria, will also promote the benefits of doing business in Australia and provide an entry point for Australian businesses looking to access Europe.”
First impressions
“I took quite the leap of faith moving to Australia – prior to signing my contract I hadn’t actually visited the country before”, says Johannes. “My decision to relocate was partially motivated by stories from friends, relatives and colleagues – everyone who had visited Australia was so positive about their time here, whether they had been working, studying or travelling.
“Having lived here for almost two months now, I’ve decided that Sydney feels like a small Manhattan on the Mediterranean Sea – just with better waves. I’ve already started surfing lessons and I’m looking forward to learning more Aussie lingo, mate.”
To find out more about Australia’s German Desk, contact Johannes Zimmermann.