A sixth generation descendent of Coopers Brewery’s founder Thomas Cooper has joined the company.
Andrew Cooper joins as national account manager at Coopers’ distribution firm, Premium Beverages in Melbourne.
Andrew is the son of Coopers’ chairman, Glenn Cooper, and for the past two and a half years he has been in Singapore with Diageo in commercial sales and customer marketing for Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
Prior to that he was with Pernod Ricard in Sydney and also worked as a Private Client Advisor for the Macquarie Group in Adelaide.
The appointment comes as Premium Beverages, which is 100 per cent owned by Coopers, seeks expanding sales volumes along the east coast of Australia.
Coopers’ Managing Director, Dr Tim Cooper, said it was timely that the next generation of Coopers began to transition into the business.
“Coopers makes it clear to all family members that they are not guaranteed jobs at the brewery just because they are a Cooper.
“They are encouraged to develop careers outside the brewery, but if an opportunity arises, then they may be invited to join.
“Andrew has forged a strong career outside the brewery and developed skills that will be important as the company moves forward.”
Dr Cooper said that working at Premium Beverages would enable Andrew to learn about the business from the distribution and sales levels upwards.
Andrew’s sister, Rachel Cooper Casserly, was the first sixth generation member to begin full time employment with Coopers, working in the marketing department between 2009 and 2016.
Andrew said that while it had been a long term ambition to join the family company, he had always known that he had to “earn his stripes” before being considered for a position.
“It’s always been important to consider what you can do for the business rather than the other way around,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to this new opportunity and to what I can learn and contribute in this role and to Premium Beverages.
“My long-term ambition is to continue to tell our story and I hope to one day play my part in future leadership.”
