Lion co-leaders James Brindley and Anubha Sahasrabuddhe

We’re joined this episode by James Brindley and Anubha Sahasrabuddhe of brewer Lion Australia. After his previous 28-year stint with Lion finished in 2021, James surprised the industry when he announced his return as managing director in May 2024, under a somewhat unorthodox arrangement where he would share the leadership with Anubha. With a background in CPG – consumer packaged goods – Anubha held senior leadership roles at The Coca-Cola Company and Mars Wrigley across Asia Pacific and North America, prior to returning to Australia to join Lion in 2021. Anubha’s title now is chief growth and commercial officer, and coming up, we’ll hear a bit more about the unique co-leadership arrangement she has with James, which is just coming up to its 12-month anniversary. This is a special episode of Drinks Adventures produced in partnership with Lion’s Ultra Zero Carb range that has been rolled out across the Hahn, XXXX, Tooheys and Byron Bay Brewery brands. But the interview was also an opportunity for me to ask Anubha and James about some of the challenges and trends currently confronting the brewing industry, like the struggles of the craft beer sector, the rise of premix spirits, the future of the non-alcoholic segment and more.