Coopers Brewery Director of Marketing and Innovation, Mr Cam Pearce, has retired from the company after 13 years overseeing the growth of one of Australia’s most iconic beer brands.
Mr Pearce will remain on the board of Coopers as a non-executive Director, a role he was appointed to in 2002 before joining Australia’s largest independent family-owned brewery full-time as a marketing executive in 2010.
Coopers Managing Director, Dr Tim Cooper, said Mr Pearce has made an exceptional contribution to the 160-year-old company.
“Cam has been an integral part of many changes and developments at Coopers over the past 13 years and we thank him for his tireless dedication,” Dr Cooper said.
“His lasting impact includes the successful integration of the Premium Beverages business into the organisational structure of Coopers, a substantial change given the former operating independence of Premium Beverages. The integration also entailed the establishment of a marketing structure to support national growth, a corporate change that Cam pursued with rigour.”
In listing his achievements and contribution, Dr Cooper cited Mr Pearce’s introduction of new products to keep the brand relevant to consumers, the new packaging of the ale and the importance of his contribution and vision in bring the $50m visitor’s centre in South Australia to life. It is currently under construction with the new warehouse completed and plans to have the distillery and micro-brewery in operation by 2024.
“Cam passionately supported the expansion of Coopers’ naturally conditioned beers into cans in line with national consumer demand which has seen our portfolio grow significantly. His personal commitment to representing Coopers around the country has seen Cam set a strenuous schedule, but one that has delivered extraordinary results for the business,” said Dr Cooper.
Mr Pearce is highly regarded by his peers and when Drinks Trade met with him earlier this year, he talked about making a generational investment in the brewery and brand as it celebrated 160 years of brewing and looked to the next generation of Coopers stepping into leadership roles.
Mr Pearce said it had been a privilege to work at Coopers during such a transformational period.
“Coopers has a long and respected history in brewing and I am proud to have contributed to the company’s success,” Mr Pearce said.
“It has been a privilege to be a custodian of the Coopers brand, with a 160-year history of making craft beer for the Australian public. The timing is now right for me to retire from day- to-day operations at the brewery, leaving the company with the Coopers brand in a strong position. I look forward to maintaining a close connection with the company and continuing to serve on the Coopers board.”
Following Cam’s retirement, National Marketing Manager Kate Dowd will continue to lead responsibility for the Coopers brand and marketing strategy and will now report to Coopers General Manager Michael Shearer. Sixth-generation family members Andrew and Louise Cooper will fill Cam’s positions on several industry and subsidiary boards.
Andrew Cooper will replace Mr Pearce on the Drinks Association board.
