Coopers’ marketing and innovation director Cam Pearce has retired after 13 years with the brewery.
A Coopers statement said Cam will remain on the Coopers board as a non-executive director – which was his original role at the brewery before he joined in a full-time capacity in 2012.
Coopers’ managing director Dr Tim Cooper outlined how Cam had made an indelible mark upon the company.
“Cam has been an integral part of many changes and developments at Coopers over the past 13 years and we thank him for his tireless dedication.
“His lasting impact includes the successful integration of the Premium Beverages business into the organisational structure of Coopers, a substantial change given the former operating independence of Premium Beverages.
“The integration also entailed the establishment of a marketing structure to support national growth, a corporate change that Cam pursued with rigour.”
For his part, Cam expressed his pride at working for the iconic brewery at such a pivotal moment.
“Coopers has a long and respected history in brewing and I am proud to have contributed to the company’s success,” he said.
“It has been a privilege to be a custodian of the Coopers brand, with a 160-year history of making craft beer for the Australian public. The timing is now right for me to retire from day-to-day operations at the brewery, leaving the company with the Coopers brand in a strong position.”
Dr Tim Cooper also commented on Cam’s more recent achievements, saying he “instigated the introduction of new products to ensure Coopers remains relevant to consumers, while retaining our originality.
“More recently Cam initiated a review of the packaging of our ale range and has led the marketing team in bringing to fruition this packaging refresh (see below for more details).
“Cam passionately supported the expansion of Coopers’ naturally conditioned beers into cans in line with national consumer demand which has seen our portfolio grow significantly.”
Finally, although officially retired, Cam said he welcomed returning to his role as a non-executive director.
“I look forward to maintaining a close connection with the company and continuing to serve on the Coopers board.”
Following Cam’s retirement, national marketing manager Kate Dowd will continue to lead responsibility for the Coopers brand and marketing strategy and will now report to Coopers’ general manager Michael Shearer.
This article originally appeared on our sister title The Shout.
Meanwhile, Coopers recently unveiled a brand-new look for its portfolio of naturally conditioned ales and stouts – the first major update to the brewery’s core packaging in 20 years.
The updated packaging follows Coopers’ new masterbrand positioning Forever Original unveiled last year.
Coopers’ national marketing manager Kate Dowd said: “The new design has been carefully developed with the objective of retaining our brand loyalists while also recruiting new drinkers to the Coopers brand.
“The refresh brings overall consistency to the Coopers ale range and has been designed to stand out on shelves, making it easier for our fans to spot their favourite brew.”
In addition to design changes, their 750ml longneck range will come in a lighter weight bottle.
Products featuring the new packaging and updated tap badges will begin rolling out in liquor outlets and licenced premises nationwide from September.