Amanda Watson has replaced John Preston as Chief Executive Officer of the Brewers Association of Australia (BAA).

Prior to joining the Brewers Association, Watson was Deputy Chief of Staff to the Federal Minister for Communications and was also formerly Policy & Public Affairs Manager for Business Hunter.

Brewers Association Chairman and Lion Australia Managing Director James Brindley said: “On behalf of our members and board, I am thrilled to welcome Amanda to lead the Brewers Association.

“Amanda brings an incredibly strong track record in policy, advocacy and stakeholder engagement, but most importantly is passionate about beer and the many thousands of people and communities who make our industry great from grain to glass.

“Amanda will represent Australia’s leading brewers as an advocate for a vibrant, sustainable, community-centred and socially responsible beer industry and be a constructive partner to our industry’s wide network of stakeholders.”

Preston commenced as CEO of The Brewers Association in January 2021. Previously, he was the General Manager of Corporate Affairs at AusNet Services. He has also held senior roles at BHP and Pernod Ricard and has worked in various senior political roles across Federal and State Government.

“I’d like to thank our outgoing CEO, John Preston, for his outstanding contribution to the Association, Australia’s brewing sector and the alcohol industry more broadly,” Brindley said.

“John has been with the BAA for five years, and under his leadership the Association has been instrumental in fighting for and achieving positive regulatory and policy outcomes for the industry, including the welcome freezing of tax indexation on draught beer. We wish John every success in his new endeavours,” he said.

Watson said: “Beer has always brought Australians together – at community events, in local pubs and clubs, around the table with family and friends,” she said.

“As a champion of responsible beer drinking, part of our role is to ensure that raising a glass together remains accessible. Put simply, Australia’s beer tax – the third highest in the world – is too high. Under my leadership, our Association will continue to make the case for a meaningful reduction in beer excise.”

“There are so many people and communities reliant on the success of our industry, with Australia’s brewing sector supporting around 100,000 full-time jobs. Every schooner poured contains the combined efforts of farmers, brewers, transport, logistics, retail and hospitality workers, and many more beyond.

“It’s a true honour to represent an industry which makes such an important contribution to Australia.”

Watson’s tenure will commence on 14 July 2025.