Merriden Varrall
About Merriden Varrall
Merriden Varrall serves as the Director of the Australia Geopolitics Hub at KPMG Australia, where she has worked since 2018. She has extensive experience in policy analysis and foreign affairs, having held positions at the Australian Treasury, UNDP, and the Lowy Institute, among others.
Work at KPMG Australia
Merriden Varrall has been serving as the Director of the Australia Geopolitics Hub at KPMG Australia since 2018. In this role, she focuses on geopolitical analysis and its implications for business and policy in Australia. Her work involves providing insights and strategic advice to clients regarding geopolitical risks and opportunities. Varrall's expertise in international relations and political anthropology contributes to KPMG's understanding of complex geopolitical landscapes.
Education and Expertise
Merriden Varrall holds a Bachelor of Communications and Social Inquiry in International Studies (with Honours) from the University of Technology Sydney, where she studied political science, China studies, and communications. She further pursued her academic career by obtaining a PhD in Political Anthropology on Chinese Foreign Policy from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Macquarie University Sydney. Additionally, she completed a Master's degree in International Relations, focusing on international political economy and development studies at The Australian National University.
Background
Merriden Varrall's professional background includes significant roles in various government and international organizations. She worked as a Policy Analyst and Adviser at the Australian Treasury from 2006 to 2008 and at the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) from 2003 to 2006. Varrall also served as a Senior Policy Advisor and Assistant Country Director for UNDP in China from 2011 to 2014, where she focused on South-South Cooperation Policy. Her experience includes directing the East Asia Program at the Lowy Institute.
Publications and Contributions
Merriden Varrall has authored academic articles published in journals such as the Pacific Review and China Journal. She has also contributed analyses to prominent publications including the New York Times, Quarterly Essay, The Diplomat, and the Lowy Interpreter. Her work reflects her expertise in geopolitical issues and Chinese foreign policy, showcasing her ability to communicate complex ideas to a broader audience.
Personal Interests
Outside of her professional commitments, Merriden Varrall enjoys kayaking and exploring local waterways with her child. She has a personal interest in gardening, particularly in growing vegetables and managing pests like mealy bugs and caterpillars. These activities reflect her appreciation for nature and family time.