Biography
Thom is a Senior International Fellow with the Smart Energy Council, the peak body for Australia’s renewable energy industry. His work focusses on climate, clean energy, and green metals diplomacy, especially given Australia’s role as President of the COP31 Negotiations. A veteran of the UN’s climate talks, Thom played a role in securing the 2015 Paris Agreement, helping establish the High Ambition Coalition of progressive nations that proved critical. He most recently worked in the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade as the Principal Advisor to former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in his capacity as Ambassador to the United States in Washington DC, having served as his Chief of Staff during his tenure as the Asia Society’s President in New York. At the Asia Society, Thom also founded the China Climate Hub and helped forge a backchannel for US-China climate cooperation. Earlier in his career, he worked as a diplomatic advisor to the president and foreign minister of a Pacific Island nation. He has also worked with Rohingya leaders and refugees from Myanmar, helping secure a UN investigation and targeted sanctions. Thom is also a Senior Advisor to Kaya Partners.