The Inglis Board of Directors is pleased to announce Sebastian Hutch has been appointed Managing Director of the company, effective January 4th 2027.
Sebastian joined Inglis from Coolmore in November 2018 and in that time has filled roles as General Manager – Bloodstock Sales (2018-19), General Manager – Bloodstock Sales & Marketing (2019-2021) and Bloodstock CEO (2021-2026).
He will replace Mark Webster, who has been Managing Director since 2007.
Mark, who became the first non-Inglis family member to fill the Managing Director role when joining the company, will continue part-time as Executive Director on special projects until July 2027, when he will have completed 20 years of outstanding commitment and service.
Upon his retirement Mark will continue to Chair Ardex Technology and Inglis’ US digital and other projects.
The Board is particularly pleased to announce Mark has also agreed to become a Non-Executive Director of Inglis at that time.
Sebastian Hutch was humbled by the new appointment.
“Inglis is an incredible company, an intergenerational success story that has stood the test of time,’’ Sebastian said.
“I am very grateful for the opportunities that have been afforded me by the Inglis family, the shareholders and the Board in my time at Inglis and honoured to be chosen as a custodian of the company into the future.
“We have consolidated an incredible team of people across the business, people who are hard-working, motivated and fundamentally proud to work for such an esteemed company. I am excited about leading that team into the future and do so optimistic that we can write the next chapter of the Inglis success story together.
“Mark has been a transformational leader for Inglis, strategising the evolution of the company into a market leader in many ways, not just domestically, but internationally.
“He has the respect of everybody in this business for his integrity and the exemplary manner in which he has conducted his work over nearly two decades.’’
Mark Webster described the opportunity to lead Inglis for such a long time as “an extraordinary privilege’’.
“I am profoundly grateful to our Board, shareholders, employees and loyal customers for their steadfast support during my time as Managing Director,’’ Mark said.
“Our remarkable evolution into a global leader in digital auctions and the world-class development of Riverside Stables are a testament to the innovation and professionalism of our talented team.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to my successor, Sebastian Hutch, who has made a remarkable contribution to our bloodstock business over the past eight years.
“As I hand over the Managing Director role in the coming months, I do so with absolute confidence that Sebastian is ready to step up and successfully take the company forward.’’
Arthur Inglis – Deputy Chair and fifth-generation family member – praised Mark for his exceptional tenure and backed Sebastian to lead the business successfully into its next chapter.
“On behalf of Inglis family members and shareholders we are immensely grateful to Mark for his leadership over 20 years, including pioneering many innovations now adopted worldwide, the relocation to Riverside, establishment of the William Inglis Hotel and numerous other achievements,’’ Arthur said.
"When we appointed Mark in 2007 it was the first time in 140 years that the business had been led by someone outside the Inglis name. It was not a decision we took lightly and Mark has repaid that trust many times over and we are delighted that Inglis will continue to have his counsel as a Non-Executive Director.
“Sebastian has an astounding work ethic, he leads from the front, is widely respected for his industry knowledge and has demonstrated the ability to lead a high-performing bloodstock auction house. We are indeed fortunate to have a person of his integrity and expertise.
“He takes on a business in excellent health – thanks in no small part to Mark’s legacy – and I have no doubt he will continue to lead the company forward with momentum and success.
“The management and timing of the leadership transition also speaks to the calibre of both Mark and Sebastian.’’
Inglis Chair John Coates AC concluded: “This is the culmination of a long-term leadership transition process which commenced with Sebastian’s appointment eight years ago.
“Since that time, Mark has continued as Managing Director of the Inglis group of businesses but stepped away from the day-to-day responsibilities of the bloodstock business.
“Sebastian’s achievements as Bloodstock CEO are well documented and the Board is confident that his expertise and the leadership qualities he has exhibited wiith his bloodstock team will guide the wider Inglis group into an exciting new phase of growth.’’
