Kalkine: ASX 200 Leadership Shift: CMEWA CEO Appointed Agent General to UK and Europe

Highlights

• CMEWA Chief Executive Rebecca Tomkinson appointed as Western Australia’s new Agent General

• Tomkinson to lead engagement in energy, mining, defence, infrastructure, and education sectors

• Based in the UK, she will oversee Invest and Trade WA offices in London and Frankfurt

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy Western Australia (CMEWA) has confirmed a significant leadership transition in the resources sector. Chief Executive Rebecca Tomkinson will depart from her current role to become Western Australia’s new Agent General for the United Kingdom and Europe. This change reflects broader efforts by the state to deepen global relationships across key industries such as energy, mining, infrastructure, defence, innovation, and education. Tomkinson's appointment comes at a time when global partnerships remain vital for maintaining momentum in the sector, as tracked by broader indices such as the ASX 200.

Tomkinson will officially step down from her CMEWA leadership role in September. Her contributions have been widely acknowledged for strengthening the organisation’s voice as a representative body for the state's critical resources sector.

Role to Strengthen Global Economic Engagement

Appointed by the Governor of Western Australia, Tomkinson will be based in the United Kingdom. Her remit includes oversight of the Invest and Trade Western Australia offices in London and Frankfurt. In collaboration with the Investment and Trade Commissioner, her responsibilities will encompass building international ties and diversifying the state's economic interests.

A major part of the role involves driving trade across major sectors, with a strong focus on mining and energy. These industries have long formed the foundation of Western Australia’s exports, and renewed engagement with international partners is expected to support continued sectoral growth. The Agent General also plays a key role in facilitating skilled migration strategies from the region.

Strategic Outlook from the State Government

Western Australia's Premier has welcomed the appointment, noting that the UK and Europe remain integral trading partners. The Agent General’s role is positioned as central to the state’s strategy for economic diversification and decarbonisation. This includes enhancing collaboration across clean energy projects, technology, and defence-related initiatives.

The state government aims to maintain its position as a leader in resource development while advancing sustainable infrastructure. By aligning strategic priorities with overseas markets, the Agent General’s office is expected to support major export sectors and workforce development goals.

Sector-Wide Recognition and Next Steps

CMEWA President Simon Trott has acknowledged Tomkinson’s leadership and the impact she has had on the sector’s development in Western Australia. Under her tenure, the organisation expanded its stakeholder outreach and reinforced the resource sector's contribution to the broader economy.

A formal recruitment process to appoint a new Chief Executive for CMEWA will commence shortly. The transition marks a pivotal moment for the organisation, with continued focus on ensuring effective representation for Western Australia’s mining and energy enterprises.

Expanding Western Australia's Global Presence

The UK and European markets have historically played a substantial role in Western Australia's trade landscape. In recent years, collaboration has extended beyond traditional goods to areas such as renewable energy, technology transfer, and education partnerships.

By assuming the Agent General role, Tomkinson will be central to fostering economic diplomacy and identifying strategic areas of collaboration across both established and emerging industries. Her leadership experience from CMEWA will guide future engagement strategies that align with Western Australia’s long-term goals in the international arena.