Don Heatley, Chair of the ABL Foundation, is a fifth generation North Queensland primary producer with cattle properties and sugar cane farms in the lower Burdekin River region.

Don is a passionate and committed advocate for the promotion of Australian agribusiness interests, domestically and overseas. He has more than 30 years experience promoting and representing the Australian red meat industry, domestically and internationally through a variety of positions, including 13 years as a Director of Meat & Livestock Australia, including 6 years as Chairman of the Board. He has also served on the Cattle Council of Australia and numerous State livestock R&D bodies.

Don retired in June 2020 after 6 years as Chairman of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. He strongly supports the strengthening of domestic agribusiness in developing countries and champions younger persons entering leadership positions in rural communities.