Spirits & Cocktails Australia (SCA), the national body that represents major distilled spirits producers, has announced Steven Fanner will join the association as Executive Director later this month.
Fanner, who will be based in Canberra, has held a number of leadership positions at the Australian National University and health insurance lobby group Private Healthcare Australia. He has also held senior positions with the Australian Hotels Association in national alcohol policy.
SCAʼs Chair and Diageo Australia Managing Director Dan Hamilton, said the SCA Board was looking forward to Fanner taking the reins.
“We are thrilled a leader of Stevenʼs calibre with experience in political advocacy and strategic communications, and a deep understanding of our sector, is joining us at a time when the sector is looking to refocus its representation,” Hamilton said.
“There are significant economic gains to unlock from spirits in Australia. Steven will play an integral role working across the spirits and beverage industries to help realise these benefits,ˮ
Fannerʼs appointment will see SCA shift its base from Sydney to Canberra.
Hamilton added: “The primary role of the association is to represent our interests to government, and having our team based in Canberra helps us there.ˮ
Fanner said he was looking forward to stepping into the role and working constructively with others across beverage industries to find common ground.
“This is an industry with a reputation for innovation and excellence. Iʼm looking forward to working with Australiaʼs emerging local producers and some of the worldʼs most recognisable brands,” Fanner said.
“At a time where the Federal Government is seriously looking at Australiaʼs long-term economic sustainability, there is an excellent opportunity to address some of the inequities faced by distillers in current policy settings.
“Already Iʼve been able to meet new industry colleagues and reconnect with others. Iʼll be focused on finding opportunities to work collaboratively where we have shared goals,ˮ Fanner added.