Australian Distillers Association (ADA) CEO, Kylie Lethbridge, has resigned after a year in the role. She will finish up at the end of October.
Lethbridge joined the ADA in October 2025, after being appointed as GM in August that year. She previously led the Independent Brewers Association.
In a statement, the ADA said the board acknowledged, “the significant contribution Kylie has made during what has been the most challenging period for the organisation”.
The association said that during her tenure Lethbridge oversaw the 2026 National Distillers Conference and Trade Show, strengthened its advocacy and government engagement, and progressed a range of policy and regulatory priorities.
Her departure comes as the sector continues to campaign on spirits excise. Following the August 2026 indexation increase, which took the excise rate on spirits and RTDs to $110.15 per litre, Lethbridge said, “This is no longer just a tax issue, it is a consumer confidence issue”.
Lethbridge said she had decided it was time to step away and, “focus on the next chapter of my career and on creating greater balance personally and professionally”.
“The past year has been one of the most challenging and rewarding periods of my career, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together,” she said.
“There is still important work to be done, and I will remain fully committed throughout my notice period to ensuring a thorough handover and supporting the ADA through the transition.”
Lethbridge will work with the board over the coming month on recruiting her replacement. The ADA has not named an interim CEO.
