Sam Benjamin has been announced as the new Chairman of Liquor Alliance.

Nominated and unanimously elected, Sam takes over from Rob Gillies, who has held the role for the past seven years and who announced he would be stepping down from the National Board of Liquor Alliance at the April 2015 Board Meeting of Liquor Alliance Ltd.

Rob will stay on as a Director of Thirsty Camel SA / NT. He said: “ This is an appropriate time for me to hand on the baton of leadership to someone who can lead Liquor Alliance to even greater success over the coming years.

I am proud to step down with the Thirsty Camel Brand in a strong position, with a strong membership footprint nationally, great intellectual property and a strong management team.”

Sam said: “As a long standing member and current Chairman of the United Innkeeper Association Ltd. board I am honoured to take up the position of Chairman for Liquor Alliance.

“This is an important leadership role for the Thirsty Camel brand and I, along with my fellow board members, will ensure the future direction of Australia’s most recognised liquor retail brand is as successful and innovative as ever.

I would also like to take this opportunity to personally thank Rob Gillies for his commitment to the board and brand over the last 7 years as Chairman”.

Sam also ran the Anglesea Hotel, has over 25 years experience in the hotel industry and has been a UIAL (Thirsty Camel VIC/TAS/NSW) board member for 7 years, Chairman of UIAL for the past 1 year and a board member of Liquor Alliance and is also an AHA (Vic) councillor.

Sam will be assisted by newly elected Deputy Chairman Nick Psevdos – General Manager Thirsty Camel SA / NT.