Michael Hertel is a Senior Vice President based in Sydney and leads Teneo Australia’s government and public policy practice with a strong current focus on renewable energy and infrastructure; resources and critical minerals; and supporting the growth of Australian companies overseas.

Prior to Teneo, Michael spent a decade as a lawyer and diplomat in Australia’s foreign service where he specialized in Chinese politics, economics, and trade. He served at the Australian Embassy in Beijing from 2016 – 2020, has worked in political offices at both federal and state levels (NSW) and in private legal practice.

He holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons); a Bachelor of Arts; a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice; and a Master of International Affairs from the Australian National University.  He also holds a certificate in business analytics, financial accounting and economics from Harvard Business School Online (CORe). 

He is published in the leading journal for international economic law, The Journal of World Trade, and the Australian Yearbook of International Law.  He is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors; an alumnus of the Australia-China Youth Dialogue (the preeminent dialogue for emerging leaders from Australia and China); and is admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia.