Speaker: Andrew Mitchell

Andrew holds a PhD in Economic History from the London School of Economics and completed a PostDoctorate at the University of California Los Angeles, where he later lectured in International Development Studies. He was born to Canadian parents in central NSW and has lived in several countries for extended periods, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. His interests have always been a mix of academia and business. His primary academic focus was the age old question of what determines the wealth of nations.

In spite of a strong academic calling, Andrew has focused on business. His first was in Calgary, Canada where he built a lawn care business from scratch as a teenager with a friend. Later on, Andrew created a successful education business in Los Angeles. Currently Andrew is the General Manager of the Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Cooperative, with a $15 million turnover, 45 employees, and around 45 members.

Andrew is currently enjoying the challenge of revitalising the Fishermen’s Coop, focusing on new distribution strategies and the potential for redevelopment.