The Independent Brewers Association (IBA) has appointed former Head of Industry Development Sabrina Kunz as interim CEO of the organisation.
Kunz will step into the role from 17 October and succeeds Kylie Lethbridge who recently announced her move to the Australian Distillers Association (ADA).
In her previous role, Kunz was instrumental in driving a number of strategic advocacy initiatives including delivering significant wins for members during this year’s federal election campaign and building a new website and membership management system.
She will hold the position of CEO for the next 12 months while the organisation updates its strategy for the future.
Evin Craney, Chair of the IBA welcomed Kunz into her new role on behalf of the board.
“The board is excited and energised to welcome Sabrina into the role of interim CEO. Her never-quit spirit will be a true asset to our members in the ongoing work for a better, more equitable and sustainable future. Through her time in the IBA and beforehand, Sabrina has proven to be not only a real advocate for change but also someone who delivers time and time again,” he told Beer & Brewer.
Reflecting on Lethbridge’s five-year tenure, Craney noted her ability to adapt under pressure and deliver tangible results with Kunz working closely beside her – something Craney says is sure to make for a smooth leadership transition.
“Sabrina has been Kylie’s second in command for many years now and with that is uniquely qualified for the next era of both our association and industry. Given her firsthand knowledge of the IBA and our work, along with her history in beer through both the New Zealand Brewers Guild and Brews News, I expect members and the wider liquor industry will see a continued evolution on both advocacy and community engagement with a more robust communication platform.
Kunz told Beer & Brewer she hopes to continue to build upon the foundations of the organisation and its support of independent brewing businesses.
“What has always made the IBA strong is the diversity and passion of our membership. But we are not just a membership organisation, we are a movement of small businesses, creatives, and brewers who want to give Australians the opportunity to try new things – be that a beer, a non-alc or an amazing hospitality experience.”
She added: “I want to keep building this movement – to see as many indie brewers as possible be part of the IBA and to communicate clearly to consumers the benefits of choosing independent.”
A key focus for Kunz will be what she referred to as creating a fair playing field in response to market challenges.
“The inputs into making great beer or having a great hospitality experience are getting more expensive and the average Australian is under increasing financial strain – independent breweries are navigating all of this with a market that is stacked against them.”
Under Kunz’s leadership, she says the IBA will also continue to be focused on advocating for fair access, regulation and tax reform.
“Our members have none of the protections available in the Food and Grocery Code enjoyed by other food and beverage producers. We want to work with the major retailers on developing a voluntary code that ensures small producers have protection around things like payment terms, unfair de-ranging and that there is a mechanism for any dispute resolution.
“We are going to continue to advocate for total alcohol tax reform that ensures that the average Australian can afford a mid-strength independent beer. With everything that is going on with illicit tobacco, and the Emerson Report highlighting the market failures in the wine industry – it’s clear that now is the time for total alcohol tax reform.”
