Michael Newman
Managing Director Japan and Republic of Korea

Michael Newman is a seasoned business leader and strategist with extensive experience across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Australia, Japan, and Republic of Korea. As Group Chairman & CEO of Ginga Vale Investments, Michael leads a consultancy that connects Australian, Japanese, and Korean businesses in the spheres of government, trade, and investment. Under his leadership, Ginga Vale Investments, along with its wholly owned subsidiary Analogica KK, has developed a proven track record of delivering strategic value across these markets. Known for being relationship-driven, Michael brings a deep cultural understanding to his work, having served on the boards of notable companies like Nippon Commercial Development and JP Holdings.

In his role as Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner for North Asia with the NSW Government’s Investment NSW, Michael was instrumental in fostering major international collaborations. He successfully incubated clean energy infrastructure projects at the Port of Newcastle, partnering with leading Korean and Japanese multinationals. Once finalised, these projects will lead to capital expenditures worth over US$20 billion, potentially generating $100 billion in future hydrogen and ammonia exports, along with 10,000 jobs in the Hunter region. Additionally, Michael and his team facilitated $175 million in new exports for a NSW transformer manufacturer, contributing to a $40 million expansion and the creation of 270 new jobs. He also played a pivotal role in fostering cultural and sports-related exchanges between Fukuoka Prefecture and NSW, supporting initiatives in rugby, soccer, swimming, and baseball, with a focus on women’s and youth leagues.

Michael’s strategic insights extend beyond government and consulting roles. At Macquarie Capital Securities, where he served as Country Head in Tokyo, he oversaw key M&A and investment banking activities. His leadership led to significant transactions, including Macquarie Airports’ 14.9% acquisition of Haneda Airport and Kirin Holdings’ $2.8 billion purchase of National Foods. Recognised for his contributions, Michael won Global Macquarie Awards in 2012 and 2014. His tenure as Head of Equity Research and Head of Institutional Sales further solidified his reputation as a trusted leader in the financial services sector.

Prior to his time at Macquarie, Michael held key roles at HSBC Japan, where he led the Institutional Equity Sales team, driving a 30% increase in revenue over the $40 million budget. His expertise in financial markets was also honed during his time at ABN AMRO Bank, where he served as Director of Research in both London and Tokyo. In Tokyo, he advised on the landmark Nissan-Renault merger, and in London, he played a key role in the marketing of Airbus’ €3.3 billion IPO in 2000. His leadership significantly improved the rankings of ABN AMRO’s Aerospace, Defence, and Automotive research teams, elevating them from outside the top 10 to the top 3 in just 12 months.

Michael’s early career in institutional sales began with roles at Nikko Securities in Tokyo and Yamaichi Securities in Australia, where he developed his expertise in treasury, futures, and equity sales. Over the years, he has become known for his ability to navigate complex markets, build strong international partnerships, and deliver results across a broad range of industries, including finance, energy, infrastructure, and trade.

With a career spanning decades and multiple countries, Michael Newman continues to be a driving force in fostering cross-border investments and strengthening relationships between Australia, Japan, and Republic of Korea. His leadership, cultural expertise, and strategic vision have consistently led to impactful outcomes for businesses and government bodies alike.