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Experienced breeding industry figure Tony Williams has been appointed chief executive of the rapidly expanding Aquis Farm stud operations in Australia.

His appointment to the newly created position follows the acquisition of Group One winner Pierata to join the growing Aquis stallion roster spread across stud properties in Queensland, NSW and Victoria.

The Aquis board of directors has decided to separate the Australian stud farm operations across the three states from its Australian and international racing businesses.

Williams will bring more than 40 years industry experience to the role, most recently serving as managing director of leading intrernational bloodstock sales company Goffs UK since 2016.

He previously spent time working with Magic Millions and Newgate Farm in Australia while also acting as an agent for the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

"I'm extremely honoured to be joining the Aquis Farm team. Their foresight and ingenuity at becoming a market leader is second to none, and I can't wait to ensure the vision of the Fung family comes to fruition," stated Williams.

"I am looking forward to heading back to Australia and being located in Queensland."

Current Aquis CEO Shane McGrath will become managing director of Aquis Farms with a focus on racing operations domestically and overseas.

"It's a very exciting time for Aquis with Tony Williams joining the team, whose international standing is second to none," McGrath said.

"Aquis' position within the global breeding and racing industries has once again strengthened further."

Williams will commence his role with Aquis from January 1 ahead of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where Aquis will consign a draft of yearlings.