Mark Harvey-Sutton will step down as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC) after eight years, taking up a new leadership role as CEO of Australian Grape & Wine (AGW).
Australian Grape & Wine announced Harvey-Sutton’s appointment on November 2, citing his “extensive experience in industry leadership, agricultural trade and national advocacy”.
His departure from ALEC marks the end of an eight-year tenure during which he led the organisation’s advocacy efforts and represented Australia’s livestock export sector through significant policy and industry challenges.
During his time at ALEC, Harvey-Sutton strengthened the association’s engagement with government, parliamentarians and industry stakeholders while advocating for the contribution of livestock exports to regional economies and Australia's international trade relationships.
One of the most significant challenges of his tenure was the Albanese Government’s decision to phase out live sheep exports by sea, which has since been legislated. Harvey-Sutton led ALEC’s public campaign, alongside Keep The Sheep, highlighting the potential consequences of the policy for livestock exporters, sheep producers, regional businesses and communities.
ALEC Chair Dr Chris Back said Harvey-Sutton had demonstrated an ability to challenge government decisions while maintaining constructive relationships with policymakers and representing the industry's interests.
“Mark has been an outstanding advocate for Australia’s livestock export industry and has represented our members with enormous commitment, professionalism and integrity,” 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 added that Harvey-Sutton was widely respected across the livestock export supply chain, including producers, exporters, vessel operators, importers, regulators and government officials in Australia and overseas markets.
Back also credited him with helping strengthen Australia's agricultural trade relationships, particularly in Indonesia, the country's largest live cattle market.
“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,” Back said.
Reflecting on Harvey-Sutton's contribution, Back said his departure came as the livestock export industry prepared to implement its 10-year Live Cattle Growth Plan, which aims to support a productive, profitable and sustainable future for the sector.
“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,” he said.
On behalf of ALEC's Board and members, Back thanked Harvey-Sutton for his eight years of leadership and commitment, while congratulating him on his appointment to Australian Grape & Wine.
“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,” Back said.
Harvey-Sutton described his time leading ALEC as a privilege, highlighting the contribution of the organisation's team and its collective achievements.
“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.”
He said the organisation had achieved significant results despite operating with a relatively small team, crediting its staff's professionalism and commitment.
“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.”
While acknowledging the difficult periods during his tenure, Harvey-Sutton said he remained confident in the industry's future and ALEC's ability to continue representing its members.
“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,” he said.
He also thanked ALEC's staff, Board, members and stakeholders across government, industry and international markets for their support throughout his tenure.