ABRI Announces Appointment of New Managing Director
The Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr David Christie as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, commencing early 2026.
Dr Christie brings more than three decades of leadership experience across research, commercial and technology sectors in Australia and internationally. His background in organisational performance, data-driven business models and customer-focused service delivery aligns strongly with ABRI’s strategic direction as the organisation enters its next phase of growth.
Based in Armidale NSW, ABRI is a global leader in livestock genetics and data-driven evaluation services. The organisation is progressing into the next phase of its strategic evolution, building on the foundational work undertaken over the past 18 months to strengthen capability, modernise systems and position ABRI for long-term sustainability.
ABRI Board Chair, Angela Schuster, said the appointment follows an extensive international search to identify the right leader to guide ABRI’s next stage of development.
“David brings significant 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,” Ms Schuster said. “Most importantly, he embodies ABRI’s values of innovation, integrity, sustainability and partnership.”
Raised on a grazing property in north-west NSW and holding a PhD in science from the University of Sydney, David’s career includes senior leadership roles with the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), Open Universities Australia, the University of Wollongong, and BASF in Asia–Pacific. He has completed executive programs with INSEAD, Harvard and IMD.
In accepting the role, Dr Christie said he was honoured to join ABRI at an important time in its evolution.
“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 producers worldwide.”
Dr Christie’s appointment supports ABRI’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.
ABRI looks forward to welcoming Dr Christie in early 2026.