The Independent Brewers Association (IBA) welcomed five new members to its Board of Directors at its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The newly elected Directors include Tom Champion, Felons Brewing Co (QLD), Annelise Nijskens, Madoke Brewing Co (QLD), Glen Brasington, Hawkes Brewing Co (NSW), Helen Black, The Coastal Brewing Co (NSW), and Paul Maley, Shelter Brewing Co (WA).
They join Callum Reeves (Kaiju! Beer) and Evin Craney (Bright Brewing) who will continue on the Board.
Richard Watkins has stepped down from his position as Chair of the Board, a position he has held since 2021 when he took over from Peter Philip.
Kylie Lethbridge, CEO of the IBA, thanked Watkins for his tenure, saying: “Richard has dedicated an immense amount of personal time, heart and soul to the IBA, and we thank him for his service to industry.”
The 2023 AGM was deferred from November last year due to a review of IBA’s Constitution to future proof the organisation for the next 10 years.
The adoption of the new Constitution means that IBA’s total Board composition grew from seven to nine Directors, with seven elected from IBA’s Full Brewery members and two from the broader membership.
One of the goals of increasing the Board size was to achieve even greater representation from IBA’s diverse membership.
“We are excited to add to the Board new Directors from Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia as well as representatives from large and small, regional and metro breweries and those with a strong hospitality focus and notably two women,” said Lethbridge.
“We also would like to send our sincere thanks to the other Board Directors who have concluded their terms on the Board including, Chris Calefa, Matthew Shortall and Richard Adamson. Your commitment, leadership, support, and knowledge has been invaluable.
“With this diversity comes the strength to make the best decisions possible for the whole of the independent brewing industry and we are super excited.”
