Livestock Council CEO Steps Down After Eight Years
Mark Harvey-Sutton will leave the Australian Livestock Exporters' Council and take over as CEO of Australian Grape and Wine on 13 January 2027.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in People
Australian Livestock Exporters' Council CEO Mark Harvey-Sutton will step down after eight years in the role. He will become CEO of Australian Grape and Wine on 13 January 2027, succeeding Lee McLean, who has resigned.
Why it matters
Harvey-Sutton's move shifts senior leadership across two major agricultural peak bodies at a time of significant change for the livestock export sector. His appointment is also notable for the wine industry, which is seeking new trade and market access opportunities.
Harvey-Sutton's eight-year tenure at the Australian Livestock Exporters' Council ends as the council launches a 10-year Live Cattle Growth Plan. Lee McLean's roughly eight years at Australian Grape and Wine, four of them as CEO, close with his resignation in late September 2026.
The players
Mark Harvey-Sutton
Mark Harvey-Sutton is an Australian agricultural leader with prior senior roles at the National Farmers' Federation and the Australian Government.
Australian Grape and Wine
Australian Grape and Wine is the national peak body representing Australia's grape growing and winemaking industry.
The details
Harvey-Sutton led the Australian Livestock Exporters' Council during the Keep The Sheep campaign and the government's legislated decision to phase out live sheep exports by sea. He previously held senior roles with the National Farmers' Federation, other agricultural organisations and the Australian Government.
Timeline
Late August 2026: Lee McLean announces his resignation from Australian Grape and Wine.
Late September 2026: McLean finishes as CEO of Australian Grape and Wine.
13 January 2027: Harvey-Sutton commences as CEO of Australian Grape and Wine.
Market Landscape
Harvey-Sutton's departure comes as the Albanese Government's legislated phase-out of live sheep exports by sea reshapes Australia's livestock export sector. His move into wine signals the leadership demands placed on agricultural peak bodies as they adapt to shifting trade conditions.
For wine producers and grape growers, Harvey-Sutton's leadership of Australian Grape and Wine from January 2027 may influence how the industry pursues new export markets. Livestock producers will see a new leader at the Australian Livestock Exporters' Council, though the successor is not yet named.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at peak bodies can signal shifts in strategic priorities, so readers following agricultural policy should watch who takes over at the Australian Livestock Exporters' Council. Harvey-Sutton's trade and market access experience will be central to Australian Grape and Wine's next phase.
What happens next
Harvey-Sutton is scheduled to commence as CEO of Australian Grape and Wine on 13 January 2027.
Further reading
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