Astrid Mitchell has a 25-year commercial career within the banknote, authentication and holographic industries in marketing, research, product development and public relations. She began her career with De La Rue, the world's largest commercial banknote and security printer in a variety of marketing, research and PR roles and served as Marketing & PR Director for the publicly-listed hologram company Applied Optical Technologies plc during its major growth period from 1993 to 2001 as well as Marketing Director for the brand protection division of the German banknote printers Bundesdruckerei. She edits Currency News and Tax Stamp News and is responsible for associated publications and activities in the currency, tax stamp and document protection markets.

Astrid has been involved in company acquisitions and disposals and the marketing of products internationally. She specialises in the evaluation of opportunities, business development, strategic and operational marketing, analysis and communications within the secure document and banknote sectors.

She holds an honours degree in politics and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.