The Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) today announced the appointment of Dr David Christie as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, commencing early 2026.
ABRI, based in Armidale, is a global leader in livestock genetics and data-driven evaluation solutions.
With the continued support of the University of New England (UNE), ABRI is progressing into the next phase of its strategic evolution. This builds on the foundational work undertaken over the past 18 months to strengthen capability, modernise systems and position the organisation for long-term growth.
Chair of the ABRI Board, Angela Schuster, said the appointment followed an international search to identify a transformational leader who can advance ABRI’s strategic agenda and guide its next stage of growth.
“David brings extensive experience in guiding organisations through strategic growth, commercial innovation and partnership development. His background in technology, data-driven business models and stakeholder engagement aligns strongly with ABRI’s priorities for the coming years, including enhancing customer value, expanding commercial offerings and strengthening our global impact,” Mrs Schuster said.
“Most importantly, he embodies ABRI’s values of innovation, integrity, sustainability and partnership.”
Dr Christie has more than three decades of leadership experience across research, commercial and technology sectors in Australia and internationally. Most recently, he served as CEO of the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), where he delivered sustained growth, cultural renewal and major technology transformation. His career also includes senior roles at Open Universities Australia, the University of Wollongong, and BASF in Asia‐Pacific.
Raised on a grazing property in north-west NSW and holding a PhD in science from the University of Sydney, Dr Christie brings a personal connection to regional Australia together with extensive commercial and leadership experience. He has also undertaken executive studies at INSEAD, Harvard and IMD, equipping him with contemporary international leadership credentials.
Dr Christie said he was honoured to lead ABRI at such a pivotal time.
“ABRI has a remarkable heritage in applied genetics and livestock data. The opportunity now is to build on these strengths, enhancing digital capability, expanding customer partnerships and accelerating innovation to create even greater value for breed societies and producers worldwide,” he said.
The ABRI Board noted that Dr Christie’s appointment reflects the organisation’s commitment to delivering the priorities set out in its 2025–2030 strategy, including uplifting technology capability, strengthening service delivery, expanding product development and pursuing new commercial opportunities that support industry-wide productivity and profitability.
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