Leadership team

Victor Topper, currently serving his fifth term as President of AHSLEA, has played a pivotal role over 56 years in shaping the landscape of the hides, skins, and leather industry in Australia. As the joint Managing Director of AI Topper, a leading Australian processor and exporter established in 1954, Victor has been instrumental in steering the company, which today operates as a third-generation family business. His primary focus lies in building and managing supply chain relationships, along with fostering collaborations with major program customers. With a comprehensive skill set, dedication, and extensive expertise, Victor brings invaluable contributions to the industry at large.

Luke Kivlighon, Managing Director of Southern Lambskin Exports P/L, has dedicated his working life to the industry. With qualifications in Wool Classing and Wool Buying from Melbourne College of Textiles, and a Diploma of Leather Technology from Nene College, UK, his expertise spans procurement to sheep and lambskin tanning. A dedicated director of AHSLEA, Luke has served multiple terms as Vice President, playing a pivotal role in the organisation’s advancement.

Dennis King has over 20 years of association administration experience and has been involved in the animal co-products industry for over 40 years. He possesses a strong understanding of overseas importing country requirements and collaborates closely with the federal government to maximise opportunities for exporters to access markets in as many overseas countries as possible. As the Executive Officer of the Association, he is responsible for the day-to-day administration and securing funding for research projects aimed at industry development.

Andrew Hassall is Managing Director of Geelong Leather and Loris H. Hassall Trading, and has over 25 years of expertise in the leather hides and skins industry. A graduate with a Bachelor of Business (Accounting), he honed his skills at Coopers & Lybrand for five years before joining the family business in 1996. Under Andrew’s leadership, Geelong Leather has become a premier wet blue producer globally, serving as a primary supplier to top fashion brands and automotive companies.

Christian Cazenave, the sole owner of Philippe RIVES P/L since 2014, is a seasoned professional in high-quality sheepskins and bespoke lamb and dorper grading. With a background in risk management and arbitrage, commodities, and Forex Trading, he holds an MBA from Nicholls State University, Louisiana, US, and a DESCAFF from TBS Education in Toulouse. As the Managing Director, Christian strategically guides the company, ensuring Philippe RIVES maintains its reputation for excellence in the industry. His long-standing directorship at AHSLEA reflects his ongoing dedication to the advancement of the sector.

Glenn Sellman is the Managing Director of Cost Price Sheepskin Co Pty Ltd, a position he has held for 35 years. With over 48 years of sheepskin experience, Glenn is well-placed to contribute at all levels of the industry. His commitment to the industry’s growth and evolution remains steadfast.

Simon Stahl has been working in the beef and pork processing and tanning industries for over 30 years. Simon is broadly experienced in the Australian meat processing industry having worked at KR Darling Downs in Toowoomba and Nippon Meat Packers Australia. He has a Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting Major, and has held positions including Managing Director of NMPA, and Chief Executive Officer of the Casino Food Co-op. Simon currently sits on the AMIC National Processor Committee and has previously held the position of Director of the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC). Simon is also currently Chairman of Northern Rivers NSW Brand Committee and an ‘Our Kids’ committee member.