26 June 2025: The Brewers Association of Australia (BAA) is delighted to announce Amanda Watson as its new Chief Executive Officer, commencing July 14.
Brewers Association Chairman, James Brindley, said that Ms 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," said Mr Brindley, who is also Managing Director of Lion Australia.
"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.”
"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.”
“I'd also like to thank our outgoing CEO, John Preston, for his outstanding contribution to the Association, Australia’s brewing sector and the alcohol industry more broadly. John has been with the BAA for 5 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,” said Mr Brindley.
Ms Watson takes the role at a time when Australians are enjoying more beer choices than ever before - from full-strength classics to mid-strength, low and no-alcohol options and brews with functional characteristics like low and no-carb and gluten-free beers.
"Beer has always brought Australians together - at community events, in local pubs and clubs, around the table with family and friends," Ms Watson said.
"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.
“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.
"It's a true honour to represent an industry which makes such an important contribution to Australia," said Ms Watson.
Ms Watson joins the Brewers Association following her work 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 significant social and industry reforms. Prior to joining the Federal Labor Government, Ms Watson was a policy and public affairs lead in business advocacy and spent more than a decade in the higher education sector. She began her working life in hospitality small business ownership and hotel management.
Under Ms Watson's leadership, the Association 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.
ENDS
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About the Brewers Association of Australia:
The Brewers Association of Australia is the peak body representing Australia’s leading beer makers and, more broadly, beer drinkers across Australia. It is a leading voice for sensible, responsible and workable policy solutions on alcohol use and promotion in Australia. https://www.brewers.org.au/
Contact details:
For media enquiries:
Sarah Lovett
Brewers Association of Australia
0459 444 452