Fifth-generation family member Melanie Cooper has been appointed as the first female chair of Coopers Brewery in its 161-year history, taking over from Glenn Cooper who will step down in December after 22 years.
Mel Cooper is currently director of finance and corporate affairs at Coopers Brewery, as well as chair of its charitable arm, the Coopers Brewery Foundation. She has been a director on the Coopers board since 2009.
“I’m very proud to have seen how Coopers has grown and evolved since I first joined the company in 1985. With major developments and initiatives underway at the Brewery, and a vision for future growth, we’re in the midst of a truly exciting time for Coopers.
“Our industry faces opportunities and challenges. I hold a positive outlook and look forward to working closely with my fellow Directors and senior leadership team along this journey,” said Cooper.
Fifth-generation family member Glenn Cooper, who started Coopers more than 34 years ago, stepped down as chair, citing it was time for ‘generational change’.
“I feel it is time for generational change and commencement of the transition to the sixth- generation. Fortunately, we have enthusiastic sixth-generation family members who are supportive of the brewery as it moves into a new era.
“When you’re a Cooper, you never really retire from being an advocate of this great Australian company,” said Cooper.
Coopers MD Dr Tim Cooper said the new appointments ensured Coopers maintained a strong, skilled and experienced board.
“In Mel, Coopers has an insightful and highly respected chair with a strong commitment to corporate governance. She has a passion for nurturing both the legacy and the culture of our family business.
“We thank Glenn for his enthusiastic commitment and his dedicated contribution over more than three decades. He has always been and remains a passionate supporter of the brewery,” said Cooper.
At the same time, Andrew Cooper has been appointed to the board, first sixth-generation family member to become a director of the company.
The new Coopers board of directors will comprise Mel Cooper, Dr Tim Cooper, Dr James Cooper, Andrew Cooper, Cam Pearce and Rob Chapman. Louise Cooper will take on Mel Cooper’s former role of company secretary.
