Petra Andrén

Chief Executive Officer

QUANTUM AUSTRALIA

Petra Andrén is a recognised leader in deep-tech innovation and commercialisation, and the CEO of Australia’s industry growth centre, Quantum Australia. With more than 25 years of international experience across advanced technology sectors, she is driving the creation of a nationally coordinated quantum ecosystem—positioning Australia as a global force in quantum innovation and impact.

Her career spans startups, global corporations, venture capital, and public policy. As CEO of Cicada Innovations, she built one of the world’s leading deep-tech incubators, supporting hundreds of science-based ventures, and created Australia’s largest early-stage deep-tech investment portfolio. Her deep-tech expertise also draws on significant leadership in the life sciences, where she established the US subsidiary of a European CRO, delivering multimillion-dollar growth and served as Australian Managing Director of Octapharma, a global biopharmaceutical company.

A mentor, investor, board member, and strategic advisor, Petra is committed to enabling the next generation of quantum leaders and ensuring Australia actively shapes, not just adapts to, the future quantum economy.

Jeff Keats

Chief Representative for Australia and Oceania

EXPORT DEVELOPMENT CANADA

Jeff Keats is Export Development Canada's (EDC) Chief Representative for Australia and Oceania. Jeff has over 19 years of EDC experience in international financing and business development. His roles at EDC have included structuring and underwriting international financing transactions, leading business development teams, including teams focused on the technology sector, and acting as EDC’s National Ecosystem lead for Canadian Cleantech.

Within his current area of responsibility Jeff leads an EDC team in Australia, supporting Canadian exporters and investors, with a focus on opportunities in sectors such as energy transition, renewable energy, infrastructure, agri-food, and mining.

Jeff has a BBA from Acadia and an MBA from Memorial University, which included an exchange semester in Germany. Prior to EDC, Jeff spent 3 years in Japan teaching English and training new teachers, and he also led a team at a call centre for a Canadian telecom company.

Besa Deda

CHIEF ECONOMIST

Curious by nature and driven by a passion for making economics accessible, Besa Deda has built a career translating complexity into clarity. Known for her people-first leadership and engaging communication style, Besa’s strength lies in her ability to bring macroeconomic trends down to a human level; always with relevance, clarity and impact.

Her career spans more than two decades in the banking and finance sector. It includes her historic appointment at St.George Bank in 2008 as the first female Chief Economist of an Australian bank. Following Westpac’s merger, she was appointed Chief Economist across several brands in the Westpac Group. She’s earned a reputation as a respected thought leader and trusted advisor to businesses of all sizes; from small enterprises to national institutions.

Today, Besa brings that leadership and insight to William Buck, delivering context-rich analysis that helps clients make smarter, more confident decisions. She also serves as Chair of the not-for-profit organisation Australian Business Economists, where she has championed diversity, modernised operations, and expanded its reach in informing, connecting and influencing economic and policy debate in Australia.

And while many know Besa for her articulate commentary, fewer realise she’s a lover of obscure facts and trivia, always ready with a surprising insight to spark conversation.

Contact the host of The Trusted Allies Economy: Strengthening the NSW-Canada Economic Partnership