The Brewers Association of Australia has confirmed that CEO Brett Heffernan is moving on to pursue other opportunities and interests after more than three-and-a-half years in the role.
Heffernan said that it was the right time for him to leave the association and thanked the Board for its unwavering support and guidance.
“I have enjoyed my time at the Brewers Association. Aside from the Board, I want to pay particular thanks to Sarah Lovett. When it comes to small teams, they don’t come any smaller than Brewers,” he said. “She has been my right arm for the last three-and-a-half years, continually stepping-up to do whatever is required to make our two-person team work.
“I’m proud the Brewers Association is in a better position than when I assumed the role. It has been a wild ride, interesting and fun, and always challenging. The challenges have been made easier by being surrounded by people of impeccable character and good humour.
“I’ve decided that the time is right to take on a new challenge and I look forward to what the future brings.”
Chairman of the association and CEO of Carlton & United Breweries, Peter Filipovic, said the Board was sad to see Heffernan leave, but wished him all the best for the future.
“During his three-and-a-half years Brett has overseen considerable change at the Brewers Association, representing the Association well with the Federal and State and Territory governments, working effectively with other industry associations and bodies, and successfully managing the de-merger of the Australian and New Zealand arms of the Association,” Filipovic said.
“Brett has elevated within government and across the community the positive and substantial contribution that beer makes to Australian jobs and the national economy.
“Furthermore, Brett has led our campaign for lower beer tax and has effectively made the case, publicly and with politicians, that Australia’s beer tax is too high.
“The Association’s media coverage of our issues has never been higher or more positive.
“The Board would like to thank Brett for his valuable contribution as CEO.”
The Brewers Association said it is commencing a national search for a new CEO and that Heffernan was concluding in the role today, Friday 21 August.