Scott Hansen appointed DPI Director General

Mr Hansen is the managing director of Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and was previously North America regional manager and general manager 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.

NSW Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson said the announcement followed an international search.

She said Mr Hansen's impressive track record as a leader in the agricultural sector stood him in good stead to lead NSW DPI.

"I am confident Mr Hansen is the right choice to succeed Richard Sheldrake, AM, who stood down in September after a fine tenure as the leader of the DPI," Ms Hodgkinson said.

The DPI has more than 2600 staff 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," she said.

"Mr Hansen must ensure DPI continues to be a leader in supporting strong productivity growth in Australian agriculture.

"It is imperative that DPI has a science-based culture and works closely with other private and public sector agencies, like Local Land Services, to ensure the NSW primary industries sector remains profitable and sustainable into the future."

Mr Hansen said he was excited by the new role.

"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 March 17.