OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
At Far East Trading & Co., our Leadership Team combines deep industry expertise with strategic vision to deliver unparalleled service in global trading and commodity markets. Together, our wide ranging expertise and experience ensures that Far East Trading & Co. consistently delivers value and excellence our their Partners and Clients.
Nick La
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Nick La is a distinguished entrepreneur known for his bold approach and strategic insights. Early in his career, he made a mark in Asia's upscale bar scene, earning the Youngest Barman in Asia Award at 21 and features in Conde Nast Traveller and Food & Wine magazine. Returning to Melbourne, Nick founded a premium vocational training and recruitment service in 2012, successfully upskilling over a thousand recruits. As a co-founder of Weploy, Australia’s first on-demand customer service staffing solution, and Neat, a workforce management tool, he continues to innovate in recruitment, earning accolades such as 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian Leaders and Top 100 Leaders in Australia.
Nick is also dedicated to supporting the startup community. He holds multiple board and advisory roles, leveraging his expertise to help companies scale successfully.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Dan Nguyen
Dan Nguyen is a seasoned professional in the Australian Funds Management and Superannuation sector, renowned for his strategic and technological acumen. As Head of Digital, he drove significant market share gains, increased Funds Under Management through innovative financial products and digital tools, and enhanced operational efficiency while reducing costs. Recognised for delivering best-in-class technologies and building high-performing teams, Dan now serves as the Director of Operations for Far East Trading & Co. His meticulous attention to detail makes him pivotal to the company's operations, ensuring clear communication, compliance, and efficiency. Dan holds a Bachelor of Business in International Trade.
Rick Skelly
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING
Rick Skelly is a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist with deep expertise in commodity trading and strategic development. With a distinguished career spanning multiple industries, Rick has successfully launched and managed ventures, including Video Ezy franchises, Eagle Boys Pizza, and residential developments. As the founding director of HEDA Training Pty Ltd, he spearheaded critical commodity trading initiatives, driving significant growth and establishing key industry relationships. Rick is recognized for his strategic acumen, particularly in sales growth and marketing, and has played a pivotal role in founding a Superannuation Fund and enhancing financial strategies for institutions such as Rosary College.
Louis Hanna
ASSOCIATE OF FAR EAST TRADING & CO.
Louis has worked as a Chartered Accountant since 2001 specialising in advising business owners on tax and accounting matters at every stage of the business' lifecycle with a key focus on tax strategy, asset protection, succession planning and corporate governance. Louis spent the last seven years at KPMG Australia working in its enterprise tax team. He also led led the KPMG Middle Eastern Business practice where he assisted inbound and outbound businesses between the two regions setting up and navigating compliance matters. Louis currently sits on the board of Australia's largest privately owned aluminium distribution company Alspec and consults to the leadership team with respect to Business operations. Historically, Louis has owned and been involved in the management of various businesses including property development, entity formations. finance companies, financial planning, events management and Real Estate agencies. He's also been involved in commodity broking since 2012 and has assisted in facilitating various deals in Iron ore and coal.