Bondi Partners Welcomes Three Distinguished Senior Advisors

Bondi Partners today announced the appointment of three distinguished professionals as Senior Advisors, building on the firm’s expertise in three mission-critical areas: defence and national security, Indo-Pacific relations, and critical minerals supply chains. The appointments include Jim McDowell, former Deputy Secretary, Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment at the Australian Department of Defence; Melanie Brock, prominent Australia-Japan business leader and Member of the Order of Australia; and Salim Bhabhrawala, former International Critical Minerals Coordinator at the U.S. Department of Energy.

Jim McDowell brings unparalleled expertise in naval defence at a time when AUKUS submarine capabilities and broader maritime security are reshaping the Indo-Pacific. With over 30 years steering major industry transformations across four continents, McDowell recently capped off a distinguished public service career as Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment at the Department of Defence.. His private sector leadership includes a transformative decade as CEO of BAE Systems Australia.

Melanie Brock is one of Australia’s pre-eminent Japan specialists, with extensive experience in executive leadership across diverse sectors. Recognized for her significant contributions, Melanie has been awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation. She currently serves as a non-executive director on the boards of major Japanese corporations including Asahi Group Holdings, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Estate, and Sega Sammy Holdings.

Salim Bhabhrawala’s expertise addresses one of the most strategically important challenges facing allied nations: critical mineral supply chain security. During his 25 years of distinguished federal service, most recently as International Critical Minerals Coordinator at the U.S. Department of Energy, Bhabhrawala was instrumental in developing America’s critical minerals strategy and co-authored the original critical minerals Executive Order in 2019.

Bondi Partners President Joe Hockey:

“The acceleration of allied partnerships through AUKUS, the evolving security architecture in the Indo-Pacific, and the critical importance of supply chain resilience are reshaping how businesses think about growth and investment. Our role is to help clients understand these shifts and capitalize on the opportunities they create.

“These appointments represent a strategic expansion of our capabilities in three areas that will define the next decade of allied cooperation: advanced defence manufacturing, deeper Japan-Australia integration, and critical minerals security.

“Jim, Melanie and Salim are distinguished leaders who understand how to deliver exceptional outcomes where national interest and commercial success converge.”

Jim McDowell: “Throughout my career in both the private sector and public service, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is for businesses to navigate the complex intersection of defence policy, procurement, and international partnerships. Understanding this evolving landscape is essential for success in today’s global defence environment. “

Melanie Brock: “Japan is becoming a more strategic player in critical supply chains and defense technologies, creating new opportunities for businesses that understand Japan’s evolving priorities. Japan is eager to engage but navigating the country’s changing economic landscape requires a deep understanding of both its industrial strengths and its strategic imperatives in an increasingly complex global environment.”

Salim Bhabhrawala: “The U.S.-Australia critical minerals partnership is essential for economic resilience and national security in both countries. In a world of intensifying geopolitical competition, especially with China’s dominance in this sector, building resilient international supply chains for defense, energy, and advanced technologies is crucial for economic growth and unified security interests.” 

About Bondi Partners

The Bondi Partners Group is an advisory, advocacy and investment firm with unrivaled experience navigating the critical intersection of policy, politics and the private sector. With teams in Washington, Los Angeles, Sydney, Canberra, London, and Tokyo, we support businesses who want to grow across Australia, the U.S., U.K. and global markets. Founded by the Hon Ambassador Joe Hockey (Ret.), Bondi Partners’ senior lineup includes former politicians, senior White House staffers, high ranking defence personnel from across Australia, the U.S. and the U.K., and Australian government officials.