News

It is with great pleasure and genuine excitement that, on behalf of the entire IBA Board, I announce the appointment of Sabrina Kunz as the interim CEO of our Association for the next 12 months while we update the strategy and plan for the next evolution of the indie beer sector.  

Sabrina is no stranger to the IBA or our industry. In her role as Head of Industry Development, she has been instrumental in driving many of our most successful strategic advocacy initiatives—including delivering significant wins for members during this year’s federal election campaign, building a new website and membership management system, taking over the comms controls, evolving our brand and leading the charge on member resources, new partnerships and programs like the human resource service. Her proven ability to assess data, scout out nuggets of policy and connect all the dots in support of our advocacy efforts while delivering all the operational outcomes has already left a strong mark on the Association.  

Beyond her work with the IBA, Sabrina brings a wealth of leadership experience. She has held numerous director positions throughout her career and has a long and proud history in the beer sector, notably as the former Executive Director of the New Zealand Brewers Guild and General Manager of BrewsNews.  

Having worked closely with our outgoing CEO, Kylie Lethbridge, over many years, Sabrina is uniquely placed to build on that legacy and guide the IBA into its next chapter. We firmly believe she is the right person to continue the vital work of strengthening and advocating for our members across Australia.   Sabrina will officially step into the role as Kylie transitions to the Australian Distillers Association.

On behalf of the Board, I warmly congratulate Sabrina on her appointment.

We look forward to working with her and seeing the impact she will make for our members and for the future of independent beer.  

“Having worked alongside the IBA and Kylie for many years, I am grateful that the Board has entrusted me with this role. I am absolutely committed to building on the progress that has been made for our members and the broader indie beer industry. I have had the opportunity to meet many of our members – and look forward to meeting any that I do not yet know.

We are certainly at an inflection point as an organisation and an industry, but I have never shied away from doing the hard things and I look forward to continuing the fight so that all Australian’s have the opportunity to #Askforindiebeer.”

For all member or media enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Evin Craney, Chair of the IBA, via chair@iba.org.au or 0406 262 724.