Dr Tim Cooper, Managing Director of Coopers Brewery, has announced his retirement from the role after 23 years, effective March 1. His successor will be Michael Shearer, the brewery’s General Manager for the past six years. While stepping down from executive leadership, Dr Cooper will continue to serve as a Director and Chief Brewer, ensuring his influence on the company’s brewing and technical operations remains strong.
Despite the leadership change, Coopers Brewery will remain a family-owned company, with a board chaired by fifth-generation family member Mel Cooper and a majority of directors coming from the Cooper family. Dr Cooper highlighted the importance of family ownership, noting, “We’re the largest Australian-owned brewery, and that’s something we’re really proud of.”
With a background in medicine, Dr Cooper initially pursued a career in cardiology before shifting to brewing science. He joined Coopers Brewery in 1990 as Technical Manager, later becoming Operations Manager and then Managing Director in 2002. Under his leadership, the company saw significant expansion, including the relocation to the Regency Park brewery and the development of a world-class visitor centre. A key milestone of his tenure was the establishment of Premium Beverages in 2002, which expanded Coopers' reach beyond South Australia and helped increase its national market share from 1.5% to 5% within 15 years.
Another notable achievement was the revitalisation of the company’s maltings operation in 2017, fulfilling a long-held ambition of his father, Bill Cooper. The investment added further vertical integration to the brewery’s operations. Dr Cooper also played a crucial role in defending the company from a hostile takeover attempt in 2005, preserving its independence.
Financially, Coopers Brewery continues to thrive, reporting a 3.7% growth in beer sales this year, following a 1.5% increase in 2024, despite broader declines in the national beer market. The company has also diversified into whisky production, with its first single malt whisky expected in 2028.
Incoming Managing Director Michael Shearer praised Dr Cooper as “one of the true legends of Australian brewing” and expressed his commitment to maintaining Coopers' heritage while driving further innovation. Shearer emphasized his focus on sustaining the brewery’s market leadership in beer and DIY brewing products while advancing its new ventures.
Beyond his contributions to Coopers Brewery, Dr Cooper has been an influential figure in the wider brewing industry, having served as President of theInstitute of Brewing and Distilling and receiving the Order of Australia (AM) for his contributions to the industry and community. Additionally, he established the Coopers Foundation in 2006, which has since raised USD 8.2 million for Australian charities.
As he transitions into his new role, Dr Cooper remains optimistic about Coopers' future. “Michael has the experience, knowledge, and respect of his team. He’ll take Coopers to new heights,” he stated, reaffirming his confidence in the company’s continued success under Shearer’s leadership.
