Hugh Nivison was appointed Managing Director of ABRI in October 2015. A sheep and cattle producer from Walcha NSW, Hugh has most recently been working as an advisor in the Agricultural Investments industry, with operations in Australia and overseas.
Hugh has a Veterinary Science degree from Sydney University and is Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland. He has a high level of corporate experience as a Director of Australian Wool Innovation, a board member of the Australian Sheep Industry Co-operative Research Centre, Chairman of UNE Rural Properties, Director and CEO of Australasian Rural Investments Pty Ltd and Hugh remains Chairman of Australian Farmers Fighting Fund (AFFF).
Hugh’s focus at ABRI is to ensure the connection between ABRI and the end users of our services, primarily breeders and breed societies, remains strong. Hugh is also keen to explore how the expertise and experience developed by ABRI over the last 50 years can be further used to help livestock industries throughout the world.
Hugh Nivison
Managing Director
Steven Skinner
Manager, International Beef Recording Scheme
Steve’s honours degree in Agricultural Economics led him to a seven-year appointment in applied agricultural economic research. He then managed a sheep and cattle property for five years before joining ABRI’s BREEDPLAN team in 1993. He soon became manager of the ABRI support team for servicing associations which use BREEDPLAN.
In 2011 Steve was promoted to manager of ABRI’s flagship division, the International Beef Recording Scheme and in 2015 he was appointed Chief Operating Officer. For nine years from 2009, Steve was Executive Director of the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association.
Steve’s primary role at ABRI is responsibility for ABRI’s services with beef breed associations and other corporate breeding groups from within Australia and overseas. His primary objective is ensuring the provision of efficient and effective service delivery to clients. The role includes developing contractual and financial arrangements and the management of the personnel delivering the BREEDPLAN service and associated extension activities.
In 2011 Steve was promoted to manager of ABRI’s flagship division, the International Beef Recording Scheme and in 2015 he was appointed Chief Operating Officer. For nine years from 2009, Steve was Executive Director of the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association.
Steve’s primary role at ABRI is responsibility for ABRI’s services with beef breed associations and other corporate breeding groups from within Australia and overseas. His primary objective is ensuring the provision of efficient and effective service delivery to clients. The role includes developing contractual and financial arrangements and the management of the personnel delivering the BREEDPLAN service and associated extension activities.
Marcus O’Sullivan
Manager, International Livestock Register Support Team
Originally from Broken Hill, Marcus has always been interested in agriculture. He started out Jackarooing in South Australia and Victoria and again in Denmark via an Agricultural exchange.
Marcus then attended Agricultural College and University and graduated with an honours degree in Agricultural Economics. He began his career working in management consultancy in Sydney and New Zealand before moving to Armidale where he has worked for over 30 years with ABRI's International Livestock Register (ILR). Marcus has been involved in the development, installation, training, and support of ABRI's ILR computer systems for our clients in Australia, North America and Southern Africa.
Marcus brings this experience into his role as manager of ABRI’s team of ILR support programmers.
Marcus then attended Agricultural College and University and graduated with an honours degree in Agricultural Economics. He began his career working in management consultancy in Sydney and New Zealand before moving to Armidale where he has worked for over 30 years with ABRI's International Livestock Register (ILR). Marcus has been involved in the development, installation, training, and support of ABRI's ILR computer systems for our clients in Australia, North America and Southern Africa.
Marcus brings this experience into his role as manager of ABRI’s team of ILR support programmers.
Cody Wilson
Manager, Software Development
Since Cody’s appointment at ABRI in 1998, his focus has been on the development of PC software. The resulting platforms that he has developed are now used by our clients on a global scale.
In 2014, Cody was promoted to the position of manager of software development at ABRI. In this role, Cody leads the software development team in their efforts to embrace the latest software development practices and technologies, including the move to into cloud-based systems.
In 2014, Cody was promoted to the position of manager of software development at ABRI. In this role, Cody leads the software development team in their efforts to embrace the latest software development practices and technologies, including the move to into cloud-based systems.
Cory Wilson
Manager, Other Livestock Division
In 2000 Cory was employed by ABRI to work in the on-farm PC software division known as HerdMASTER. More recently, Cory has been involved in ABRI’s association software, iCompete, which is designed to work for a multitude of different species and organisations, outside the cattle industry.
In 2018, Cory was promoted to the position of manager of the Other Livestock Division. His years of experience within ABRI have given him a great understanding of what is needed to help associations and societies succeed.
In 2018, Cory was promoted to the position of manager of the Other Livestock Division. His years of experience within ABRI have given him a great understanding of what is needed to help associations and societies succeed.
Trish Faint
Manager, Breed Secretariat, Office & HR
Trish Faint has been with ABRI since 2002. Trish manages the Breed Secretariat team, as well as handling many of ABRI’s office administration and HR duties.
A local New England resident, Trish has valuable rural knowledge from her family's cattle properties to the east of Armidale.
As manager of the Breed Secretariat team, Trish has extensive knowledge of ABRI and it’s clients. In this role, Trish ensures the smooth running of societies and the tasks required by our secretariat teams.
A local New England resident, Trish has valuable rural knowledge from her family's cattle properties to the east of Armidale.
As manager of the Breed Secretariat team, Trish has extensive knowledge of ABRI and it’s clients. In this role, Trish ensures the smooth running of societies and the tasks required by our secretariat teams.
Fiona Brierley
Manager, Dairy Express
Fiona brings to Dairy Express extensive knowledge and on-field experience of the dairy industry. She has held a range of consultancy, farm planning and facilitator roles throughout her career, even starting out as a dairy herd recorder. In these roles, she has provided services for many farming families and businesses including consultancy and farm planning with NORCO CO-OP responsible for the promotion and development of on-farm planning to secure milk supply and meet market demands.
Fiona is passionate about contributing to the improved outcomes of rural communities, businesses, and agricultural industries. Fiona also keeps herself busy as a business partner for a farming enterprise, which currently runs beef cattle.
Fiona is passionate about contributing to the improved outcomes of rural communities, businesses, and agricultural industries. Fiona also keeps herself busy as a business partner for a farming enterprise, which currently runs beef cattle.
Katrina George
Manager, Communications
Katrina George joined the ARBI team in 2023 as Communications Manager following an extensive career in Tourism and Marketing. Katrina relocated to Armidale in 2003 to establish Petersons Armidale Winery and more recently as the Manager of Tourism, Marketing & Events for Armidale Regional Council. Katrina’s previous careers ranged from managing 5-star hotels in Sydney, golf resorts in the Hunter Valley and teaching at TAFE New England.
Katrina’s vision at ABRI is to assist the company to achieve the 5-year strategic plan goals, build on the ABRI reputation, create brand awareness, and elevate the company profile with our national and international clients.
Praneet Castelino
Manager, IT Systems
Praneet Castelino commenced with ABRI in 2023 with a vision of creating increased awareness of IT/engineering best practices and to improve the underlying performance of our technical stack and increase its reliability.
Praneet commenced his career with the New Zealand Defence Force, where he was awarded the Chief of the Army’s Commendation for Excellence in Engineering and Leadership. Since departing the defence force, Praneet has pursued roles in software engineering, cloud architecture and product design throughout various government departments, local tech companies and multinational companies including Software Engineer at Fuji-Xerox and IT Manager at Emirates.
Mark Christian
Chief Product & Innovation Officer
Mark Christian relocated to Armidale from the United Kingdom in 2023 to undertake the exciting new role of Chief Product and Innovation Officer for ABRI.
Mark has led large product transformation projects on three continents in various industries and led several AR/VR tech ventures in the UK. During the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mark founded a start-up business supporting the UK National Health Service (NHS) to fill large gaps in the training of healthcare students. Mark was the founder and Global Director of Immersive Learning at Pearson Education and led the spin out of this organisation to a venture-backed start-up in 2019.
Prior to living in the UK Mark founded a technology-focused agency in Canberra and worked in the University sector in both New Zealand and Australia. A native of the US, Mark has a bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary as well as several patents in his name.
Mark is most excited to be working for ABRI, where he will be overseeing the ABRI products, ensuring they are fit for purpose, innovative, meeting the customer needs and creating value to ABRI and our clients.
Hugh Nivison
Managing Director
Hugh Nivison was appointed Managing Director of ABRI in October 2015. A sheep and cattle producer from Walcha NSW, Hugh has most recently been working as an advisor in the Agricultural Investments industry, with operations in Australia and overseas.
Hugh has a Veterinary Science degree from Sydney University and is Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland. He has a high level of corporate experience as a Director of Australian Wool Innovation, a board member of the Australian Sheep Industry Co-operative Research Centre, Chairman of UNE Rural Properties, Director and CEO of Australasian Rural Investments Pty Ltd and Hugh remains Chairman of Australian Farmers Fighting Fund (AFFF).
Hugh’s focus at ABRI is to ensure the connection between ABRI and the end users of our services, primarily breeders and breed societies, remains strong. Hugh is also keen to explore how the expertise and experience developed by ABRI over the last 50 years can be further used to help livestock industries throughout the world.
Hugh has a Veterinary Science degree from Sydney University and is Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland. He has a high level of corporate experience as a Director of Australian Wool Innovation, a board member of the Australian Sheep Industry Co-operative Research Centre, Chairman of UNE Rural Properties, Director and CEO of Australasian Rural Investments Pty Ltd and Hugh remains Chairman of Australian Farmers Fighting Fund (AFFF).
Hugh’s focus at ABRI is to ensure the connection between ABRI and the end users of our services, primarily breeders and breed societies, remains strong. Hugh is also keen to explore how the expertise and experience developed by ABRI over the last 50 years can be further used to help livestock industries throughout the world.
Steven Skinner
Manager, International Beef Recording Scheme
Steve’s honours degree in Agricultural Economics led him to a seven-year appointment in applied agricultural economic research. He then managed a sheep and cattle property for five years before joining ABRI’s BREEDPLAN team in 1993. He soon became manager of the ABRI support team for servicing associations which use BREEDPLAN.
In 2011 Steve was promoted to manager of ABRI’s flagship division, the International Beef Recording Scheme and in 2015 he was appointed Chief Operating Officer. For nine years from 2009, Steve was Executive Director of the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association.
Steve’s primary role at ABRI is responsibility for ABRI’s services with beef breed associations and other corporate breeding groups from within Australia and overseas. His primary objective is ensuring the provision of efficient and effective service delivery to clients. The role includes developing contractual and financial arrangements and the management of the personnel delivering the BREEDPLAN service and associated extension activities.
In 2011 Steve was promoted to manager of ABRI’s flagship division, the International Beef Recording Scheme and in 2015 he was appointed Chief Operating Officer. For nine years from 2009, Steve was Executive Director of the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association.
Steve’s primary role at ABRI is responsibility for ABRI’s services with beef breed associations and other corporate breeding groups from within Australia and overseas. His primary objective is ensuring the provision of efficient and effective service delivery to clients. The role includes developing contractual and financial arrangements and the management of the personnel delivering the BREEDPLAN service and associated extension activities.
Marcus O’Sullivan
Manager, International Livestock Register Support Team
Originally from Broken Hill, Marcus has always been interested in agriculture. He started out Jackarooing in South Australia and Victoria and again in Denmark via an Agricultural exchange.
Marcus then attended Agricultural College and University and graduated with an honours degree in Agricultural Economics. He began his career working in management consultancy in Sydney and New Zealand before moving to Armidale where he has worked for over 30 years with ABRI's International Livestock Register (ILR). Marcus has been involved in the development, installation, training, and support of ABRI's ILR computer systems for our clients in Australia, North America and Southern Africa.
Marcus brings this experience into his role as manager of ABRI’s team of ILR support programmers.
Marcus then attended Agricultural College and University and graduated with an honours degree in Agricultural Economics. He began his career working in management consultancy in Sydney and New Zealand before moving to Armidale where he has worked for over 30 years with ABRI's International Livestock Register (ILR). Marcus has been involved in the development, installation, training, and support of ABRI's ILR computer systems for our clients in Australia, North America and Southern Africa.
Marcus brings this experience into his role as manager of ABRI’s team of ILR support programmers.
Cody Wilson
Manager, Software Development
Since Cody’s appointment at ABRI in 1998, his focus has been on the development of PC software. The resulting platforms that he has developed are now used by our clients on a global scale.
In 2014, Cody was promoted to the position of manager of software development at ABRI. In this role, Cody leads the software development team in their efforts to embrace the latest software development practices and technologies, including the move to into cloud-based systems.
In 2014, Cody was promoted to the position of manager of software development at ABRI. In this role, Cody leads the software development team in their efforts to embrace the latest software development practices and technologies, including the move to into cloud-based systems.
Cory Wilson
Manager, Other Livestock Division
In 2000 Cory was employed by ABRI to work in the on-farm PC software division known as HerdMASTER. More recently, Cory has been involved in ABRI’s association software, iCompete, which is designed to work for a multitude of different species and organisations, outside the cattle industry.
In 2018, Cory was promoted to the position of manager of the Other Livestock Division. His years of experience within ABRI have given him a great understanding of what is needed to help associations and societies succeed.
In 2018, Cory was promoted to the position of manager of the Other Livestock Division. His years of experience within ABRI have given him a great understanding of what is needed to help associations and societies succeed.
Trish Faint
Manager, Breed Secretariat, Office & HR
Trish Faint has been with ABRI since 2002. Trish manages the Breed Secretariat team, as well as handling many of ABRI’s office administration and HR duties.
A local New England resident, Trish has valuable rural knowledge from her family's cattle properties to the east of Armidale.
As manager of the Breed Secretariat team, Trish has extensive knowledge of ABRI and it’s clients. In this role, Trish ensures the smooth running of societies and the tasks required by our secretariat teams.
A local New England resident, Trish has valuable rural knowledge from her family's cattle properties to the east of Armidale.
As manager of the Breed Secretariat team, Trish has extensive knowledge of ABRI and it’s clients. In this role, Trish ensures the smooth running of societies and the tasks required by our secretariat teams.
Fiona Brieley
Manager, Dairy Express
Fiona brings to Dairy Express extensive knowledge and on-field experience of the dairy industry. She has held a range of consultancy, farm planning and facilitator roles throughout her career, even starting out as a dairy herd recorder. In these roles, she has provided services for many farming families and businesses including consultancy and farm planning with NORCO CO-OP responsible for the promotion and development of on-farm planning to secure milk supply and meet market demands.
Fiona is passionate about contributing to the improved outcomes of rural communities, businesses, and agricultural industries. Fiona also keeps herself busy as a business partner for a farming enterprise, which currently runs beef cattle.
Hugh Nivison
Managing Director
Hugh Nivison was appointed Managing Director of ABRI in October 2015. A sheep and cattle producer from Walcha NSW, Hugh has most recently been working as an advisor in the Agricultural Investments industry, with operations in Australia and overseas.
Hugh has a Veterinary Science degree from Sydney University and is Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland. He has a high level of corporate experience as a Director of Australian Wool Innovation, a board member of the Australian Sheep Industry Co-operative Research Centre, Chairman of UNE Rural Properties, Director and CEO of Australasian Rural Investments Pty Ltd and Hugh remains Chairman of Australian Farmers Fighting Fund (AFFF).
Hugh’s focus at ABRI is to ensure the connection between ABRI and the end users of our services, primarily breeders and breed societies, remains strong. Hugh is also keen to explore how the expertise and experience developed by ABRI over the last 50 years can be further used to help livestock industries throughout the world.
Hugh has a Veterinary Science degree from Sydney University and is Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland. He has a high level of corporate experience as a Director of Australian Wool Innovation, a board member of the Australian Sheep Industry Co-operative Research Centre, Chairman of UNE Rural Properties, Director and CEO of Australasian Rural Investments Pty Ltd and Hugh remains Chairman of Australian Farmers Fighting Fund (AFFF).
Hugh’s focus at ABRI is to ensure the connection between ABRI and the end users of our services, primarily breeders and breed societies, remains strong. Hugh is also keen to explore how the expertise and experience developed by ABRI over the last 50 years can be further used to help livestock industries throughout the world.
Steven Skinner
Manager, International Beef Recording Scheme
Steve’s honours degree in Agricultural Economics led him to a seven-year appointment in applied agricultural economic research. He then managed a sheep and cattle property for five years before joining ABRI’s BREEDPLAN team in 1993. He soon became manager of the ABRI support team for servicing associations which use BREEDPLAN.
In 2011 Steve was promoted to manager of ABRI’s flagship division, the International Beef Recording Scheme and in 2015 he was appointed Chief Operating Officer. For nine years from 2009, Steve was Executive Director of the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association.
Steve’s primary role at ABRI is responsibility for ABRI’s services with beef breed associations and other corporate breeding groups from within Australia and overseas. His primary objective is ensuring the provision of efficient and effective service delivery to clients. The role includes developing contractual and financial arrangements and the management of the personnel delivering the BREEDPLAN service and associated extension activities.
In 2011 Steve was promoted to manager of ABRI’s flagship division, the International Beef Recording Scheme and in 2015 he was appointed Chief Operating Officer. For nine years from 2009, Steve was Executive Director of the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association.
Steve’s primary role at ABRI is responsibility for ABRI’s services with beef breed associations and other corporate breeding groups from within Australia and overseas. His primary objective is ensuring the provision of efficient and effective service delivery to clients. The role includes developing contractual and financial arrangements and the management of the personnel delivering the BREEDPLAN service and associated extension activities.
Marcus O’Sullivan
Manager, International Livestock Register Support Team
Originally from Broken Hill, Marcus has always been interested in agriculture. He started out Jackarooing in South Australia and Victoria and again in Denmark via an Agricultural exchange.
Marcus then attended Agricultural College and University and graduated with an honours degree in Agricultural Economics. He began his career working in management consultancy in Sydney and New Zealand before moving to Armidale where he has worked for over 30 years with ABRI's International Livestock Register (ILR). Marcus has been involved in the development, installation, training, and support of ABRI's ILR computer systems for our clients in Australia, North America and Southern Africa.
Marcus brings this experience into his role as manager of ABRI’s team of ILR support programmers.
Marcus then attended Agricultural College and University and graduated with an honours degree in Agricultural Economics. He began his career working in management consultancy in Sydney and New Zealand before moving to Armidale where he has worked for over 30 years with ABRI's International Livestock Register (ILR). Marcus has been involved in the development, installation, training, and support of ABRI's ILR computer systems for our clients in Australia, North America and Southern Africa.
Marcus brings this experience into his role as manager of ABRI’s team of ILR support programmers.
Cody Wilson
Manager, Software Development
Since Cody’s appointment at ABRI in 1998, his focus has been on the development of PC software. The resulting platforms that he has developed are now used by our clients on a global scale.
In 2014, Cody was promoted to the position of manager of software development at ABRI. In this role, Cody leads the software development team in their efforts to embrace the latest software development practices and technologies, including the move to into cloud-based systems.
In 2014, Cody was promoted to the position of manager of software development at ABRI. In this role, Cody leads the software development team in their efforts to embrace the latest software development practices and technologies, including the move to into cloud-based systems.
Cory Wilson
Manager, Other Livestock Division
In 2000 Cory was employed by ABRI to work in the on-farm PC software division known as HerdMASTER. More recently, Cory has been involved in ABRI’s association software, iCompete, which is designed to work for a multitude of different species and organisations, outside the cattle industry.
In 2018, Cory was promoted to the position of manager of the Other Livestock Division. His years of experience within ABRI have given him a great understanding of what is needed to help associations and societies succeed.
In 2018, Cory was promoted to the position of manager of the Other Livestock Division. His years of experience within ABRI have given him a great understanding of what is needed to help associations and societies succeed.
Trish Faint
Manager, Breed Secretariat, Office & HR
Trish Faint has been with ABRI since 2002. Trish manages the Breed Secretariat team, as well as handling many of ABRI’s office administration and HR duties.
A local New England resident, Trish has valuable rural knowledge from her family's cattle properties to the east of Armidale.
As manager of the Breed Secretariat team, Trish has extensive knowledge of ABRI and it’s clients. In this role, Trish ensures the smooth running of societies and the tasks required by our secretariat teams.
A local New England resident, Trish has valuable rural knowledge from her family's cattle properties to the east of Armidale.
As manager of the Breed Secretariat team, Trish has extensive knowledge of ABRI and it’s clients. In this role, Trish ensures the smooth running of societies and the tasks required by our secretariat teams.
Fiona Brieley
Manager, Dairy Express
Fiona brings to Dairy Express extensive knowledge and on-field experience of the dairy industry. She has held a range of consultancy, farm planning and facilitator roles throughout her career, even starting out as a dairy herd recorder. In these roles, she has provided services for many farming families and businesses including consultancy and farm planning with NORCO CO-OP responsible for the promotion and development of on-farm planning to secure milk supply and meet market demands.
Fiona is passionate about contributing to the improved outcomes of rural communities, businesses, and agricultural industries. Fiona also keeps herself busy as a business partner for a farming enterprise, which currently runs beef cattle.
