Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson said Mr Hansen’s impressive track record as a leader in the agricultural sector stands him in good stead to lead NSW DPI.

“With more than 2600 staff located in more than 200 sites across NSW, Mr Hansen will have a big job ahead of him in enabling our agricultural, forestry and fisheries industries to meet the challenges of sustainable production of food and fibre.

Mr Hansen is currently the managing director of Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and was previously North America regional manager and general manager of corporate communications with MLA, the former executive director of Sheepmeat Council of Australia and principal livestock policy officer with the Victorian Department of Primary Industries.

“Having lived and breathed the agricultural sector my entire personal and professional life, being appointed as director general of NSW DPI is an honour,” Mr Hansen said.

“While I am sad to leave MLA, where I have worked since 2004, I am eager to take up the challenge of leading this diverse and innovative organisation.”

Michael Bullen will continue in the role of acting director general until Mr Hansen starts on 17 March 2014.