The Independent Brewers Association has announced changes at board level, with two new directors and a departure.

Dereck Hales from Melbourne’s Bad Shepherd Brewing Co will be taking on a casual board position, replacing Ben Kraus. He will be spearheading the IBA’s Marketing Project Group.

Richard Adamson of Young Henrys has also been appointed to the board, having been involved in the development of training and education initiatives with TAFE in Sydney. He will be heading up the IBA’s People Project Group.

Director Ben Kraus is stepping down from his position on the IBA board which he has held since 2017 as he looks to take a ‘gap year’ in Austria.

Along with his wife Maria, Kraus founded Bridge Road Brewers in Beechworth, Victoria in 2004/5, and he has been an advocate and supporter of independent breweries throughout his career.

He is leaving the IBA to spend 12 months in his wife’s home country of Austria, a move which Kraus said had been in the works for the past five years.

“We wanted to take a break after fourteen years of hard work, but at the same time we remain as passionate as ever about our brewery and industry and didn’t want to say goodbye to any of that,” he said.

They have restructured the business to enable them to maintain full ownership of Bridge Road and oversee the direction of the brewery in their absence.

“I’ve been honoured to have been given the opportunity to work with a passionate IBA team to help set direction, strategy and achieve real results for Independent Brewers,” Kraus continued.

“Since my start in beer in 2005 the industry has always faced challenges, but in most cases have had wins in every challenge we have taken on.

“I expect to see our industry continue to grow, I hope it stays open, collaborative and inclusive and most of all a fun industry to work in.”

In addition to board level changes, the IBA is looking to add two new members to its team.

Following its move to Melbourne, the organisation is seeking a general manager to support operational strategies be a key spokesperson an raise the profile of independent beer.

It is also looking for a marketing manager to deliver and lead marketing and brand strategies as well as driving PR and social media activity.