The Institute of Brewing and Distilling Asia Pacific (IBD Asia-Pacific) at its AGM last night (Thursday 14 October) welcomed new Directors Michael Capaldo, National Sales Manager for Hops Australia and Dave Withers, Master Distiller at Archie Rose Distilling Co to its Board.

Michael and Dave will pick up the mantle from outgoing Board Directors Megan Sheehy, Doug Donelan and Carla Dagger and who have served the IBD for the last few terms, providing more than 14 years combined experience on the IBD Board.

Chair of the IBD AP Board Tully Hadley said “we’re delighted to be welcoming two such amazing and dynamic people to the IBD Board. Both Michael and Dave bring contemporary industry experience to the Board across both the brewing and distilling disciplines and while they have big shoes to fill, we know they are up to the task.”

“We’d also like to thank and acknowledge the outstanding work that Megan, Doug and Carla have provided to the IBD AP in the last few years, and acknowledge the personal sacrifices and passion that each of them have brough to the Board, especially during 2020 and 2021. Together with the organising committee, they lead the company through the pandemic period and the successful reimagination of the Perth conference to a virtual offering.”

Michael Capaldo has been in the brewing industry since 2007 where he got his first job by making a connection at an IBD regional event. Michael was Head Brewer at Sydney Brewery 2010-2017 before moving into the world of hop sales, where he is presently National Sales Manager for HPA, and has been a member and spokesperson of the judging committee for the Independent Brewers Association from 2015. He says he is” a lover of booze, long walks on the beach and beer judging, Michael looks forward to contributing to an IBD that has given so much to him over the years.”

Dave Withers was born into a family of wine makers, Dave showed a keen interest in the field of wine production early in life, however quickly managed to impress his friends and disappoint his father and grandfather by becoming a distiller. Dave’s relentless passion for spirits has motivated him throughout more than a decade in spirits production and education. Dave is currently Master Distiller at Archie Rose Distilling Co. in Sydney and has been affiliated with the IBD since 2014. In 2020 Dave was awarded the Master Distiller/Blender of the year award at the Icons of Gin, Master Distiller of the Year at Spirits business Awards in 2021 the Innovator of the year at the Icons of Whisky. He currently holds a Diploma of Distilling and will commence his Master Distiller Qualification in 2022.

Michael and Dave join Tully, Quality Director Lion; David Baxter, Brewery Manager CUB; Gary Faulkner, R&D and Craft Director Lion; Anne Gigney, Director of The Distillers Institute; Chris Willcock Chief Brewer 4 Pines Brewing Co; and Executive Manager Jeff Potter to oversee the Asia-Pacific region.

As the IBD heads into 2022 and shakes off the impact of COVID, the brewing and distilling industries should expect to see a solid return to face to face activities and training. The Board is focused on connecting its Asia-Pacific membership to this recovery phase in 2022 and the next convention which is planned for 2023.

IBDs goal is to advance education and professional development in the science and technology of brewing, distilling and related industries and to support our membership to enable life-long learning.

The IBD Board looks forward to sharing further developments and enhancements to our business in the future and will keep the membership informed during the transition.