John Cunnington, Halleen Business Development and Marketing Assessment Manager, has been recognised as the livestock export industry’s 2019 Young Achiever of the Year.

Mr Cunnington was named as the winner at the LIVEXchange Gala Dinner in Townsville on Thursday night.

The award was presented by Simon Crean, Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC) Chair, and Andy Ingle, general manager of Landmark International.

Mr Cunnington has been employed in the live export industry since 2009 and started his livestock career working at the Midland Sale Yards and gone on to working in many roles within the live export industry to the senior management position he now holds, consistently investing in the industry.

“John is committed to the industry, its future and his role within it. He believes in the live export Industry and its long term sustainability,” says Ian Halleen, Managing Director of Halleen.

ALEC chief executive officer Mark Harvey-Sutton said Mr Cunnington was one of many outstanding young professionals working in the livestock export industry and committed to future leadership positions.

“The livestock export industry’s recognition of exceptional young achievers reflects exporters’ commitment to innovation, leadership and world-leading practices. John is committed to the industry, its future and his role within it. He believes in the live export industry and its long term sustainability,” says Mr Harvey-Sutton.

“The Australian livestock export trade relies on the passionate, professional men and women working across the industry and throughout the supply chain. We congratulate John on his outstanding contribution to our industry and look forward to his ongoing contribution in the years to come.”

Mr Ingle, himself a previous Young Achiever award winner, described Mr Cunnington as an exceptional candidate who has shown commitment to the livestock export trade, participating in boards and committees in a voluntary capacity outside of his current role.

“John is a well deserving candidate and we look forward to watching his career further progress.”