The Independent Brewers Association (IBA) is pleased to announce that it has appointed a new CEO to take the work of the Association into a new phase of development.

Since the first meeting of a group of Australian smaller brewers seven years ago, the CBIA and subsequently relaunched IBA has taken great strides as the voice of the industry. The IBA has now appointed Alexis Roitman as CEO, who starts today, adding a new skill set and experience which will enable the IBA to build on the important work of recent years.

Alexis Roitman is an industry affairs professional with 15 years’ experience in peak industry associations in Australia. She has worked in senior leadership roles within numerous state and national industry groups, as well as consulting on industry affairs as Managing Director of Canvass, the agency she established in 2008.

Originally trained as a corporate lawyer, Alexis has also worked in financial and corporate affairs in London for global PR firm, Hill & Knowlton, and in public affairs research with global market research firm, Ipsos. She has been a strong supporter of independent brewers in Australia for many years, taking a keen interest in the development of the sector from the earliest days. In 2015 she obtained BJCP certification and regularly sits on competition judging panels.

IBA Chair Ben Kooyman said, “Alexis brings to the CEO role a unique combination of skills and experience in industry advocacy and representation, with a clear passion for our sector. On behalf of the Board, I welcome her to the IBA and look forward to working with her in the years ahead.”

Alexis Roitman said, “Independent Brewers in Australia are a vibrant, dynamic sector that continues to delight Australians with the quality and diversity of their beers. I’m really looking forward to working with the Board, the IBA team, IBA members and industry stakeholders to build on the success of the sector to date.”

The IBA acknowledges and applauds the work of Chris McNamara and the office team in building the momentum of the Association from its earliest years. Alexis will add further impetus to the latest deliverables seen from the IBA’s Strategic Pillars of Awareness, Member Service & Value, Quality and Regulatory Advocacy.