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.

Carolyn Macgill is an experienced governance and association management professional with a strong background in stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, and strategic advocacy. She is passionate about building collaborative relationships between industry, government, and members to achieve practical and sustainable outcomes. Known for her strategic mindset and results-focused approach, Carolyn brings leadership, integrity, and a commitment to continuous improvement in every role she undertakes.

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.

Mark Manning is a highly experienced industry leader and Director of the Australian Hide, Skin & Leather Exporters Association. With more than 40 years of sales experience across the Australian meat industry, Mark has built a strong reputation for developing markets, fostering customer relationships, and driving commercial growth. Over the past decade, he has specialised in the hide sector, bringing extensive knowledge of hide production, processing, and export markets. Mark currently serves as Executive Manager of Sales at Casino Hide Tanners, where he plays a key role in leading sales strategy and expanding market opportunities. His industry expertise and practical experience provide valuable leadership to the Association.

Nick Atherden is serving his first term as an AHSLEA Director and brings more than 38 years of industry experience gained across Europe, South America and Australia. As Managing Director of Carlile Bendigo Pty Ltd, he oversees the salting, grading and marketing of lambskins for domestic and international markets. Nick has extensive expertise in sheepskin processing, quality management, international trade and global supply chains. His strong commercial and operational background, combined with a deep understanding of market requirements and customer relationships, enables him to contribute valuable strategic and industry insight to AHSLEA and its members.