The Brewers Association of Australia has announced that CEO Amanda Watson has made the decision to step down after just seven months in the role.

Watson replaced John Preston in the role in July 2025. 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.

Watson said: “The brewing industry makes an incredible contribution to the economic and social fabric of Australia and stepping into this new category has been a fascinating experience for me. I admire the passion that goes into all elements of brewing and the industries that it supports. I have had a wonderful time in beer.

“During my time with the Association, we have strengthened our strategic engagement across Government, the broader Parliament, and industry, to make the brewing industry stronger.

“I am proud of the successes I achieved in my time with the Association, including navigating the legislation to enact the beer excise freeze announced by the Government in March 2025. Importantly the Association’s recent work under my leadership has laid a strong foundation for further reform to support the important work of the brewing industry.

“With this work well underway and with the Association in a strong position, I believe this is the right time for me to pursue new professional opportunities.”

Chair of the Brewers Association of Australia James Brindley said: “Amanda has made a great contribution to the Brewers Association and Australia’s brewing sector more broadly.

“While we are disappointed to lose Amanda, we respect and support her decision. She has shown great leadership, giving high energy, fresh perspective and a partner-led approach to the Association during her time with us. 

“Amanda came to the Brewers with an incredibly strong track record in policy, advocacy and stakeholder engagement, which she continually demonstrated during her time with the Association. 

“She is incredibly well-connected across government and industry and has used that to advance the reputation and standing of the Association and the contributions of its members.

“Amanda leaves us having refreshed the Brewers Association’s strategic outlook, delivering new insights and key data, and significantly increasing the Brewers’ strategic engagement.

“We thank Amanda for her commitment, and importantly, for her delivery of results. We wish her every success in the future.”

Watson said she had chosen to pursue a different career direction. The Board said it will commence the process to appoint new leadership.