Marise Payne and Shinsuke J. Sugiyama join Bondi Partners

April 10, 2024

Australia’s former Foreign Minister and former Defence Minister Marise Payne and Japan’s former Ambassador to the U.S. Shinsuke J. Sugiyama have joined Bondi Partners’ growing team as Senior Advisors.

Marise Payne served in the Australian Senate for over 26 years between 1997 and 2023, making her the longest serving female Senator in the country’s history, and was a member of the National Security Committee of the Australian Cabinet for seven years during one of the most challenging peacetime environments in modern history. As Defence Minister she shaped the AU$200 billion regeneration of Australia’s Defence Force capabilities and as Foreign Minister she was closely engaged in the establishment of AUKUS and led the delivery of Australia’s Pacific policy initiaticves.

Shinsuke J. Sugiyama’s diplomatic career with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spanned over 40 years including appointments as Ambassador to the U.S. and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs. He has worked to strengthen the U.S.-Japanese alliance including leveraging Japan’s technological advances to benefit the U.S. military and coordinating the first visit of a U.S. Secretary of State to Hiroshima.

“Having worked alongside both Marise and Sugiyama-san, I cannot overstate their breadth and depth of experience, knowledge and networks,” Bondi Partners Global President Joe Hockey said.

“Their appointments will continue to ensure Bondi Partners’ clients have the opportunity to leverage world leading insights, expertise and political intelligence.

“Sugiyama-san’s appointment also marks Bondi Partners’ expansion to Tokyo at a time when it has never been more important for allied nations to collaborate, not only across government but also among the private sector. In fact, today’s challenging geopolitical climate demands it.

“I am delighted that Bondi Partners continues to expand its footprint to support our partners navigate the critical intersection of policy, politics, and the private sector in an increasingly complex world.”