Former Coopers Brewery Chairman — on family business, legacy and building a brand that lasts.
Glenn Cooper AM is the former Chairman of Coopers Brewery, the South Australian family-owned brewer founded in 1862 and now one of the most recognisable independent beer brands in Australia. He represents the fifth generation of the Cooper family in the business and spent 35 years on the board, more than two decades of that as Chairman, before stepping down. He helped transform Coopers from a small regional brewer into a nationally recognised brand while preserving its independence and heritage — including the celebrated defence of family ownership against a major takeover bid in 2005.
That takeover battle, and the long-term thinking that drove the family to keep the business independent, is a frequent reference point in Glenn's speaking. He talks openly about the trade-offs, the conflicts that any family business has to manage, and the cultural work involved in passing a brand from one generation to another without losing what makes it distinctive. He has also held numerous board and advisory roles across industry, tourism, the arts and manufacturing.
For corporate audiences, Glenn is a credible voice on family business, brand stewardship, long-term governance and the realities of building enterprises designed to outlast the people running them today. He's a strong fit for board events, family business conferences, leadership programs and brand-focused events.
Glenn Cooper AM is a keynote speaker based in South Australia who speaks on business strategy, leadership and motivation. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
Glenn Cooper recently stepped down as Chairman for 22years and Coopers Brewery Board member for 35 years. Over those 35 years Glenn has seen enormous changes in Corporate and Family companies and highlights the changes in strategies that have evolved over that time. Glenn provides both a humorous and serious look into how Sales, Marketing and family structures have not only evolved but changed. Some of those changes he is supportive of and others he believes could be left behind.
Hear is views on family successes and failures and why he believes why some continually fail. Glenn's presentations are mixed with emotions the highest being the companies hostile take over bid by the giant Brewer Kiren launched in September 2005 which ultimately failed. How did David beat Goliath in this epic battle. The advertising and marketing successes and failures, sometimes serious sometimes humorous.
One of Glenn’s more recent favourite sayings is the quote- As I grow older, I have less days left that’s why I need to put more fun into each day.
Glenn Cooper was the perfect fit for our event, he delivered a presentation that was spot on the brief and was entertaining and engaging. One of the best part of Glenn’s attendance was his ability to mix and mingle with the crowd. He was happy to chat to our attendees before his presentation and for hours after. He is a charming, charismatic business man who holds a crowd, but can also engage one-on-one with attendees. Glenn was the perfect choice for our regional audiences who ‘see straight through’ ‘fake’ or showy presenters.Department of Trade, Business and Innovation
Glenn Cooper has an engaging style which really suited this audience. He really met our brief and gave an outstanding presentation which was appreciated by all.Cumbre Consultants
Glenn Cooper was a great speaker, his company story was fascinating, he was funny and engaging and his speech was well enjoyed. The family business story mimics our company’s own story in many ways and really struck a chord with our audience. His visual presentation was professional and his intro video was really funny and well done.Seeley International
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