Mark is an expert in translation of science between researchers and industry (farmers and their associated supply chain partners). He is focused on practical solutions that deliver sustainable outcomes. He is an excellent communicator and a solutions based thinker founded on a sound understanding of animal science and farm systems.

Mark has a wealth of experience in supporting farmers and breeders deliver genetic improvement. He understands the strengths and weaknesses of modern genetic evaluation tools, and has a particular interest on focused breeding objectives.

His expertise is based on a deep and broad knowledge of animal science, genetics and livestock management, focused on production of meat, milk and wool. In recent years he has developed experience in applying these ideas to the understanding of sustainable farming systems that help deliver food security and environmental management.

During his career he has held the following positions.

• Lecturer in animal science, genetics and biometrics at Lincoln University (1980-1996, New Zealand),

• Animal breeding (genetics) scientist at the Scottish Agricultural College (1996-2001),

• Geneticist for Sheep Improvement Ltd, the sheep genetic evaluation service run by Beef + Lamb New Zealand (2001-2016)

• Head of Innovation, then Agri-Food & Livestock Specialist for CIEL and the UK Agri-tech Centre (2016-2026)

• Private consultant on a part-time basis (2026-present)

Mark has a Bachelors of Agricultural Science (1st class honours, Canterbury University, New Zealand), a Masters in Animal Breeding (with Distinction, Edinburgh University, UK) and a PhD that examined the effects of undernutrition and compensatory growth on muscle and bone growth in sheep (Lincoln University, New Zealand).