Melanie Cooper

Melanie, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants ANZ, became the first female of the family and the first of the fifth generation to be employed at Coopers Brewery on a permanent basis. After completing a degree in Economics at the University of Adelaide and working in various roles within Price Waterhouse and Coopers Brewery, Melanie became the first female director of the company with her appointment as Director of Corporate Affairs and Company Secretary in 2009. In 2014 Melanie was also appointed Director of Finance and in 2023 she became the first female Chair of Coopers Brewery. Melanie has also been Governor of the Coopers Brewery Foundation since its inception in 2006 and replaced Dr Tim Cooper as Chair in 2011. In October 2014, Melanie was invited to join the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership (PMCBP) in Canberra for a three-year term. Melanie has held many Board positions including J & AG Johnston, Burnside Hospital Foundation, the Neurosurgical Research Foundation and the Drinks Association’s national committees on gender reform. In 2017 Melanie received the Member of the Order of Australia Medal (AM) for significant service to the community through philanthropic support for, and leadership roles with, charitable foundations, and to business in the Australia Day Honours’ List. In 2023 Melanie was appointed Chair of Coopers Brewery and Patron of St John’s Youth Services