Highly experienced company director and executive Christine Zeitz has joined the Board of Coopers Brewery. Ms Zeitz’s appointment as an independent director of Australia’s largest independent brewery was passed by Coopers shareholders at the company’s Annual General Meeting held on November 27. 

With more than 35 years of global industry experience, predominantly in the defence sector, Christine has held CEO and director roles with some of the world’s leading businesses and organisations. 

Ms Zeitz has been CEO of Northrop Grumman Australia, CEO of Leidos Australia, Managing Director for Australia and Asia Pacific at Lockheed Martin Australia and President North East Asia for BAE Systems plc. 

She currently serves as Deputy Chair for broadcaster SBS, Chair of university and government initiative Defence Trailblazer, and is a director of RAA, Nova Systems, and Defence SA Advisory Board. 

Chair of Coopers Brewery, Melanie Cooper said Christine’s high level corporate experience and expertise made her a valuable addition to the Board. 

“Christine is an accomplished and well-respected company director with an outstanding career in senior leadership, and expertise in risk management and governance,” Mel said. 
“We welcome Christine to the Board and look forward to working with her as we navigate what is a truly exciting period in our Brewery’s history.” 

The Brewery is growing at a time when the national beer market is contracting, with Coopers’ total beer sales rising to more than 80 million litres in 2024-25. 

Last year also saw the opening of Coopers’ new $70 million world-class visitor centre, restaurant, microbrewery and whisky distillery - a generational investment. 

The Board of Directors will now comprise Chair Mel Cooper, Managing Director Michael Shearer, Dr James Cooper, Dr Tim Cooper, Andrew Cooper, Cam Pearce, Rob Chapman and Christine Zeitz. 

Legal counsel Louise Cooper and CFO Brad Grunert jointly hold the non-director position of Company Secretary. 

Meet the rest of the Coopers company directors here

Media inquiries: 

Ben Hooper, Corporate Conversation, ph 0419 823 098 or ben.hooper@corporateconversation.com.au