Hutch promoted to Inglis managing director as Webster prepares to hand over

Inglis has appointed Sebastian Hutch as managing director from early 2027, with Mark Webster to hand over leadership of the wider group after nearly 20 years in the role.

Webster, who became managing director in 2007, will continue part-time as executive director on special projects until July 2027, when he will have completed 20 years with the company.

The appointment transfers leadership of the wider Inglis group to Hutch, who has led its bloodstock business since 2021. Webster has retained the group managing director role while stepping away from day-to-day bloodstock responsibilities.

“This is the culmination of a long-term leadership transition process which commenced with Sebastian’s appointment eight years ago,” Inglis chair John Coates said.

Hutch joined Inglis from Coolmore in November 2018, initially as general manager of bloodstock sales. His role expanded to include marketing in 2019, before he became bloodstock chief executive in 2021.

“Inglis is an incredible company, an intergenerational success story that has stood the test of time,” Hutch 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.”

Hutch’s time at Inglis has spanned the COVID-era shift to remote auctions, the growth of Inglis Digital and the subsequent return to physical selling.

The focus on the digital market during the pandemic era has established Inglis, under Hutch’s leadership, as a firm market leader in that space, while strengthening its position in the overall market.

Inglis launched its Australian digital auction arm in 2016 and bought US online auction house Wanamaker’s in May 2024. The acquisition expanded its digital business into the American market under the Inglis Digital USA name.

Webster’s departure from the executive team marks the end of his own tremendously influential era.

He was the first person outside the Inglis family to lead the company, becoming managing director in 2007.

“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,” Webster said.

Webster will continue to chair Ardex Technology and Inglis’ US digital and other projects after his executive role ends in July 2027. He has also agreed to become a non-executive director of Inglis at that time.

Hutch paid tribute to Webster’s influence during his own time with the company.

“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,” Hutch said.

“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.”

Deputy chair Arthur Inglis also paid tribute to Webster.

“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,” Inglis 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.”

Inglis praised Hutch’s “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 said.

“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.”