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Board Of Directors

Estonian Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EACCI) has nine Directors who are elected at the Annual General Meeting.

The current Directors are:

Marianna Jolla

MARIANNA JOLLA

Marianna is a founding Director and Chair of EACCI, bringing on board over 20 years experience in international trade and business development. Marianna currently works as a trade advisor helping international organisations to enter the Australian and New Zealand markets. Prior to relocating to Australia in 2015, Marianna held export advisory positions within the Estonian Government where her role was to assist businesses expand into new markets within and beyond the EU. Marianna has also worked in the private sector in senior management positions across different sectors. Marianna holds an MBA degree from the Estonian Business School.

Sulev Kalamäe

SULEV KALAMÄE

Sulev has been an active member of the Estonian community in Australia since the 1970s, committed to promoting Estonian culture and heritage locally. In 2016, he was appointed by the Republic of Estonia as Honorary Consul in Sydney and in 2017 initiated the establishment of the EACCI. In addition to all above, Sulev is a Board member of the Sydney Estonian Society, President of the ‘Sõrve Sõbrad’ committee and a member of the Korp! Sakala. In a professional capacity, Sulev has 40 years' experience in the building industry working as an Architect and Project Manager. He has spent 20 years at Ausgrid, the largest electricity distributor on Australia's east coast.

Richard Kaljo

RICHARD KALJO

Richard was born in Australia with an Estonian heritage. Since 1993 Richard is a member of korp! Sakala in Sydney. For more than 20 years Richard has been a CEO of an industrial supply company, AAP Industries, manufacturing and supplying valves and fittings. In 1995 Richard visited Estonia for the first time to claim back his family estate, Lohu Manor and undertaking massive renovations. In 2003 Richard decided to relocate most of the manufacturing base from Sydney to China and in 2010 he relocated again from China to Estonia, becoming one of the largest exporters from Estonia to Australia.

 

Marika Kompus

MARIKA KOMPUS

Marika Kompus is an accomplished entrepreneur with a diverse background in successfully managing ventures, including a community-focused child care center in Estonia and a thriving golf course in Victoria.
Currently based in Sydney, Marika owns and manages a marine and accommodation business, showcasing adaptability and commitment to continuous progression. With effective communication skills and a substantial professional network in both Australia and Estonia, Marika brings valuable resources for effective collaboration. 

 

Aet Madison

AET MADISON

Aet was born in Estonia. She studied Tourism and Hotel Management at the University of Tartu. After moving to Australia in 2010 and travelling around the country, she settled in Sydney and got a degree in Travel Business Management.
In 2013 she started working for Aero Travel. In 2014 she became actively involved in the Estonian community - she was a board member of the Sydney Estonian Society for 5 years and also a Chairperson of the XXVII Estonian Festival (2018) in Sydney. The travel industry has always been Aet's passion, which is why she is now CEO of AeroTravel, a fully licensed travel agency in Sydney, owned by the Estravel Group.

Jane Oja

JANE OJA

Jane Oja’s Estonian roots have instilled in her a strong passion for promoting and preserving the culture, traditions and business opportunities of Estonia. With a background in event planning and management, she is well equipped to organise and execute events that foster stronger ties between the Estonian and Australian business communities. She leverages her skills to create meaningful connections and help our members navigate the dynamic world of business. All while celebrating and promoting the rich Estonian culture within Australia. 

 

Indrek Pernik

INDREK PERNIK

Indrek was born in Estonia and grew up in Pärnu. After finishing high school, he moved abroad and got his MSc in Chemistry from the University of Bristol and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, followed by a DPhil from the University of Oxford. In 2014, Indrek moved to Australia and has since worked as a Research Fellow at Monash University and Macquarie University. He is currently working at The University of Sydney, concentrating on the development of next-generation catalysts and potassium batteries.

Liisa Pobul

LIISA POBUL

Liisa holds a B.A. in Fine Art and Advertising from Tallinn University in Estonia and expanded her knowledge with courses in Marketing and Business Management in Sydney after moving there in 2009. Actively engaged in the Estonian community, she served as Deputy Chair of the XXVII Estonian Festival in Sydney in 2018, overseeing general planning, marketing, and graphic design. With a passion for fine art, Liisa contributed to events like the 2012 and 2014 Biennale of Sydney by assisting with artwork installations. She is currently working as a Graphic Designer and a Marketing Coordinator.

Paul Semmel

PAUL SEMMEL

Paul is a founding director of EACCI and has over 30 years global experience as a founder and director of various private companies marketing, manufacturing, sourcing & distributing various fashion and FMCG between Estonia, Australia, New Zealand, USA, China & Bangladesh. Extensive start up experience with contemporary brands and products throughout this period. In 1992 soon after independence in Estonia Paul was one of the first to promote and conduct two-way trade between Estonia & Australia. Currently Managing Director of various private companies.