This morning, fifth-generation family member Dr Tim Cooper has announced his retirement from the position of Coopers Brewery Managing Director, a position he has held since 2002.
“To lead Coopers Brewery over the past 23 years has been both a privilege and a fulfilment,” he said.
“We have an impressive team at Coopers and together we have achieved more than what any of us could have imagined.”
Michael Shearer, current General Manager, has been named as Tim Cooper’s successor, with the transition period officially concluding on 1 March. Following this, Tim Cooper will remain on as a Director and Chief Brewer.
Tim Cooper said, “Michael is an exceptional leader who has been instrumental to Coopers’ growth. I step down knowing that the company is on a steady path and will be in safe hands under Michael’s stewardship. Brewing is in my blood, and I will continue to work at Coopers alongside my son Iain and the brewing team.”
Since joining Coopers in 2004 as Business Systems Manager, Michael Shearer was promoted first to Commercial Manager prior to starting on as General Manager in 2018. Regarding his new appointment, Shearer said “it is an honour to be appointed as Managing Director of a great Australian company with such a significant heritage and exciting future.”
“Tim is one of the true legends of Australian brewing. His fearless and inspiring leadership has seen Coopers grow to become the country’s largest independent brewery, while remaining authentic and true to its heritage.”
Effective from March, the transition coincides with a significant moment of development for the brewery following the launch of its new $70 million facility, complete with whisky distillery, restaurant, bars, tasting room, and microbrewery.
Tim Cooper says there are parallels between this development and the original Regency Park facility he helped design prior to taking over as Managing Director from his father.
“My aspiration when I joined the brewery in 1990 was to carry on the family legacy. Prior to taking over as MD from my father Bill, I had the rewarding responsibility for the design and development of the new brewery at Regency Park,” he said.
“However, no one could have predicted our growth after relocating the brewery. We embraced leading edge technology, a positive culture and a passion for beer quality. We took a strategic direction in 2002 to establish an interstate sales business which grew our beer distribution strongly. Our national market share increased from 1.5% to 5% within 15 years.”
According to Tim Cooper, Coopers’ new facility “is one of the most exciting projects we’ve undertaken in the 162-year history of Coopers Brewery.
“I have been delighted to work with my daughter Louise and colleagues on the development of our world-class visitor centre,” he added.
“With the support of my fellow directors and shareholders, we have reinvested profit and taken on debt to pursue our expansion and diversification strategies. Coopers remains in a strong position.”
Speaking to Drinks Guide, Michael Shearer said that “the response from visitors across Australia and overseas has been encouraging, reaffirming the value of this long-term investment decision.
“We set about to create the ultimate Australian beer experience for visitors to our brewery while showcasing our brewing credentials and launching into whisky production for the first time in our 162-year history.”
Coopers Brewery will continue to be family owned and operated following the leadership transition, with the Board - chaired by fifth generation family member Mel Cooper - maintaining a majority of Directors who are members of the Cooper family.
“I look forward to working with my fellow Board members, including sixth-generation Andrew Cooper, as well as other sixth-generation Coopers currently within the business,” said Shearer.
“Along with our management team and our dedicated employees, we will continue to build on Coopers’ success in the years to come.”
Bill Cooper, Maxwell Cooper & Tim Cooper, circa 1990
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