John Preston is the new Chief Executive Officer of the Brewers Association. He will take up the role in the new year, returning to the drinks industry after six years.
Most recently, Preston held the role of General Manager, Corporate Affairs at AusNet Services and has held senior roles at BHP and Pernod Ricard as well as working in various senior political roles across federal and state Government.
Brewers Association Chairman, Peter Filipovic, said Preston was selected after an extensive and competitive nationwide recruitment process.
“John has a demonstrated track record of creating and communicating compelling visions and strategies. He is well known in the corridors of Federal, State and Territory Parliaments and brings to the Brewers a wealth of experience in both politics and the private sector, including the drinks industry,” Filipovic said.
Of his appointment, Preston said, “I am extremely grateful and absolutely delighted to have been given this opportunity to help support the continued success of the Australian brewing industry.
“The Brewers Association of Australia’s members have been leaders in promoting responsible drinking, building world class Australian brands and innovating to reduce their environmental footprint….
“I particularly look forward to joining the Brewers at a time when it is so critical that we do all we can to support hospitality and all our other partners. Getting the tax and policy settings right for the brewing industry will help all our partners and provide a stimulus effect for the broader hospitality industry.,” he said.
It seems one of the first points of order will be to continue to pursue a reduction in beer excise, long argued for by the Brewers Association:
“The hugely positive trends in responsible consumption we have seen over recent years clearly means that it makes sense now to ease the cost of living pressure on Australian drinkers by reducing the beer tax – currently the fourth highest in the developed world,” said Preston.
