Sebastian Hutch will become managing director of Inglis from Jan. 4, 2027, succeeding Mark Webster as the historic auction house prepares for a significant leadership transition after almost two decades under Webster's stewardship.
Hutch, who joined Inglis from Coolmore in November 2018, has served as bloodstock CEO since 2021 and will become only the second person outside the Inglis family to lead the company since its establishment in 1867.
Webster, who has been managing director since 2007, will remain with Inglis in a part-time capacity as executive director working on special projects until July next year, when he will complete 20 years with the company. Upon stepping away from that role, he will become a non-executive director of Inglis while continuing as chairman of Ardex Technology and maintaining involvement with the company's United States digital and other projects.
Hutch described his appointment as an honor and said he was conscious of the responsibility of becoming custodian of one of Australian bloodstock's longest-established businesses.
"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 has risen steadily through the Inglis ranks since arriving from Coolmore eight years ago. He initially served as general manager, bloodstock sales, before taking responsibility for bloodstock sales and marketing and subsequently becoming bloodstock CEO.
His elevation follows a period of substantial change for Inglis under Webster, whose tenure included the relocation of the company from its historic Newmarket complex at Randwick to Riverside Stables at Warwick Farm and the expansion of its digital auction business.
William Inglis & Son began operations in 1867, initially selling farm produce before expanding into livestock and horses. Its bloodstock business commenced at Newmarket, Randwick, in 1906, with Inglis purchasing the property in 1917. Newmarket remained the company's headquarters and principal auction venue until the move to Riverside Stables in January 2018.
The digital arm has become another major part of that evolution. Inglis Digital launched its monthly online auction platform in May 2017, initially replacing the company's Sydney mixed sales, before rapid growth prompted a move to twice-monthly auctions in 2019. The platform surpassed AU$100 million in cumulative turnover in February 2021, having developed into an increasingly significant marketplace for racehorses, breeding stock, and fractional interests.
Webster said the development of Riverside and Inglis Digital were among achievements that reflected the work of the broader company during his tenure.
"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," Webster said.
"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."
