The Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC) has announced that CEO Mark Harvey-Sutton will step down after eight years at the helm, leaving a significant legacy of effective advocacy, industry leadership and collaboration across Australia’s livestock export sector.

The Australian Grape & Wine (AGW) today also released a statement announcing Mr Harvey-Sutton’s appointment as its new CEO, saying he will bring “extensive experience in industry leadership, agricultural trade and national advocacy” to the role.

In a statement announcing his departure from the role earlier today, ALEC said Mr Harvey-Sutton had been a tireless advocate for Australia’s livestock exporters, strengthening the industry’s engagement with government, parliamentarians and industry stakeholders while championing the importance of livestock exports to regional Australia and the nation’s international trading relationships.

Among the defining challenges of Mr Harvey-Sutton’s time at ALEC had been the Albanese Government’s now-legislated decision to phase out live sheep exports by sea.

Throughout this extraordinarily difficult period, he led a relentless public campaign through ALEC and Keep The Sheep, highlighting the policy’s profound ramifications for live exporters, sheep producers, regional businesses and communities.

ALEC chair Dr Chris Back said one of Mr Harvey-Sutton’s enduring leadership strengths was his ability to challenge governments’ actions and decisions while retaining a key seat at the policy negotiating table on behalf of industry.

“Mark has been an outstanding advocate for Australia’s livestock export industry and has represented our members with enormous commitment, professionalism and integrity,” Dr Back said.

“One of Mark’s greatest attributes is his ability to develop genuine, professional and effective relationships with people across the political spectrum.

“He is widely respected for his considered and articulate approach and his ability to make the industry’s case clearly and credibly, even in the most challenging circumstances.

“That respect extends well beyond politics. Mark is extremely well regarded across the livestock export supply chain, from producers and exporters to vessel operators, importers, agricultural industry representatives, regulators, government and departmental officials, both here in Australia and in our overseas markets.

“He has also been very effective in helping strengthen Australia’s trade relationships and reinforcing our reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality livestock, particularly in our largest live cattle market, Indonesia.”

Dr Back said Mr Harvey-Sutton leaves ALEC and the broader livestock export industry well positioned for its next chapter.

“While Mark will be very much missed, his departure also marks the beginning of a new and exciting phase for ALEC and the industry we represent,” he said.

“The industry recently launched its 10-year Live Cattle Growth Plan and is firmly focused on a productive, profitable and sustainable future. Mark has played no small part in establishing that trajectory and ensuring our industry has a strong voice and a clear sense of direction.

“On behalf of the ALEC Board, our members and the broader livestock export community, I sincerely thank Mark for his eight years of service, leadership and unwavering commitment to our industry.

“We congratulate him on his appointment as CEO of Australian Grape & Wine and wish him every success in his new role. Their gain is certainly our loss, and we know Mark will bring the same energy, intellect and commitment to Australia’s wine sector that he has brought to livestock exports.”

Mr Harvey-Sutton said it had been a privilege to lead ALEC and represent an industry and people for whom he had enormous respect.

“I am incredibly proud to have represented Australia’s livestock exporters over the past eight years,” he said.

“In particular, I have been fortunate to work alongside amazing ALEC staff whose dedication to the industry is incredible.

“We may be a small team but over the years we have achieved outsized results which is testament to their professionalism, commitment and passion. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together.

“There have undoubtedly been difficult periods over the last eight years but I leave with enormous confidence in the future of the industry and in ALEC’s capacity to continue advocating strongly for its members.

“I am deeply grateful to the ALEC team, our Board and members, and the many people across industry, government and our international markets who I have had the privilege of working with.”

Source: ALEC