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Former Australian ambassador to the United States, Arthur Sinodinos, has been appointed as the next chair of the United States Studies Centre.
The NSW senator and former minister for industry, innovation and science will reportedly bring political and diplomatic experience to the role.
Ambassador Sinodinos is currently serving as partner and chair of Australia Practice for The Asia Group.
“What we’ve got to be able to say to the Americans is that the economic and security architecture in the region is vital to their interest and to remind them of that, and, if it’s America first, it can’t be America only,” ambassador Sinodinos said, speaking at the centre’s Sydney International Strategy Forum in 2024.
Sinodinos has previously played a key role in high-level negotiations around AUKUS, the Quad and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.
Ambassador Sinodinos is succeeding Mark Baillie in the role of chair of the board of directors. Baillie is the longest-serving chair in the history of the centre, having served for 10 years and overseeing the greatest growth in its history.
“Ambassador Sinodinos has long been a friend of the United States Studies Centre. To have him as chair is a real coup because there are few people better placed to speak to the nature of the US–Australia relationship in this current era,” USSC chief executive officer Dr Mike Green said.
“The United States Studies Centre has benefited enormously from the contributions Mark Baillie made as chair. Under his leadership, the centre initiated important strategic expansion and achieved the strongest financial position in its history.
“In recognition of the many years he dedicated to the centre, we are happy to share that Mark Baillie will be a distinguished fellow and maintain a level of connection with the institution he profoundly shaped.”
