The Brewers Association of Australia (BAA) has announced Amanda Watson will be taking over as Chief Executive Officer, starting in the role from 14 July.
Brewers Association Chairman and Managing Director of Lion Australia, James Brindley, said Watson was selected after an extensive and competitive nationwide recruitment process.
“On behalf of our members and board, I am thrilled to welcome Amanda to lead the Brewers Association. Amanda brings an incredibly strong track record in policy, advocacy and stakeholder engagement, but most importantly is passionate about beer and the many thousands of people and communities who make our industry great from grain to glass,” he said.
“Amanda will represent Australia’s leading brewers as an advocate for a vibrant, sustainable, community-centred and socially responsible beer industry and be a constructive partner to our industry’s wide network of stakeholders.”
Brindley also extended his gratitude to outgoing CEO John Preston, for his contributions to BAA, Australia’s brewing sector and the alcohol industry more broadly.
“John has been with the BAA for five years, and under his leadership the association has been instrumental in fighting for and achieving positive regulatory and policy outcomes for the industry, including the welcome freezing of tax indexation on draught beer. We wish John every success in his new endeavours,” he said.
Watson brings to the BAA experience from roles in Commonwealth Ministerial Offices, most recently as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Minister for Communications where she worked across the Parliament to contribute to the achievement of social and industry reforms.
Prior to joining the government, Watson was a policy, and public affairs lead in business advocacy and spent more than a decade in the higher education sector.
She also began her working life in hospitality small business ownership and hotel management, adding another layer of understanding to the role.
“”It’s a true honour to represent an industry which makes such an important contribution to Australia,” said Watson.
“Beer has always brought Australians together – at community events, in local pubs and clubs, around the table with family and friends.
“There are so many people and communities reliant on the success of our industry, with Australia’s brewing sector supporting around 100,000 full time jobs. Every schooner poured contains the combined efforts of farmers, brewers, transport, logistics, retail and hospitality workers, and many more beyond.”
Taking on the role at a time when Australians are enjoying more beer choices and varieties than ever before, Watson said her goal is to ensure that enjoying a beer remains available and accessible to Australians.
“As a champion of responsible beer drinking, part of our role is to ensure that raising a glass together remains accessible. Put simply, Australia’s beer tax – the third highest in the world – is too high. Under my leadership, our Association will continue to make the case for a meaningful reduction in beer excise.
Under Watson’s leadership the BAA said it will continue to work for its members engaging with governments, the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code Scheme, health experts, brewing supply chain participants and primary producers, and local organisations to promote responsible drinking, support local jobs, and ensure that beer remains a positive part of Australians’ way of life.