Coopers Brewery has appointed fifth-generation family member Melanie Cooper as the first female Chair in the brewery’s 161-year history.
She will take over from Glenn Cooper who is stepping down in December following almost 22 years in as Chair. At the same time, Andrew Cooper will become the first sixth-generation family member to become a director of the company.
Mel Cooper, who is currently Director of Finance and Corporate Affairs at Coopers Brewery, as well as Chair of the Coopers Brewery Foundation, began her career at Coopers in 1985 when she became the first female family member to join the company on a permanent basis. She then went on to become the first female family member to join the board as a director in 2009.
She says that it’s an honour to now step up to the Chair position.
“I’m very proud to have seen how the Brewery has grown and evolved since I first joined the company in 1985. As Australia’s largest independent family-owned brewery, we have a unique position in the beer industry and a strong reputation to uphold,” she says.
“With major developments and initiatives underway at the Brewery, and a vision for future growth, we’re in the midst of a truly exciting time for Coopers.
“Our industry faces opportunities and challenges. I hold a positive outlook and look forward to working closely with my fellow Directors and senior leadership team along this journey.”
The new look Coopers Board of Directors will comprise Mel Cooper, Dr Tim Cooper, Dr James Cooper, Andrew Cooper, Cam Pearce, and Rob Chapman.
As the first of the sixth-generation of Coopers to join the board, Andrew Cooper brings with him 17 years of experience in domestic and international markets.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Board to continue the stewardship of our family company into the sixth-generation,” he said.
Coopers Managing Director Dr Tim Cooper said the new appointments will ensure that Coopers maintains a strong, skilled and experienced Board of Directors.
“In Mel, Coopers has an insightful and highly respected Chair with a strong commitment to corporate governance. She has a passion for nurturing both the legacy and the culture of our family business, and we congratulate Mel on her appointment,” he said.
“We thank Glenn for his enthusiastic commitment and his dedicated contribution over more than three decades. He has always been and remains a passionate supporter of the Brewery. We welcome Andrew as a Director. Andrew has proven himself to be an astute and highly capable professional and will be a valuable addition to the Board.”
Speaking on his departure from the Board, Glenn Cooper, who started with the Brewery more than 34 years ago, said that it was time for a generational change.
“Fortunately, we have enthusiastic sixth-generation family members who are supportive of the Brewery as it moves into a new era. However, when you’re a Cooper, you never really retire from being an advocate of this great Australian company,” he said.
