SYDNEY BREWERY Team
FULL OF CHARACTER
At Sydney Brewery, our strength lies in the diversity of our people, their individual stories, perspectives and expertise. From brewing and hospitality to the creative minds and industry professionals driving our business forward, each brings something distinctive to who we are. Together, we share an independent spirit, a passion for what we do and the ambition to create something exceptional.
Jerry Schwartz
Jerry is the visionary who shaped the brewery and continues to fuel its growth. A driven entrepreneur with an eye for opportunity, he's always thinking one step ahead, whether that's shaping the next big idea, refining the customer experience, or challenging the status quo.
Not afraid to make bold decisions or back great people, Jerry's passion for innovation continues to inspire everything we do. When it's time to unwind, you'll usually find him enjoying a glass of our Agave Ginger Cider.
Jenny Farrell
If there's one person who knows Sydney Brewery inside and out, it's Jenny. Having been part of the journey since the brewery's earliest days, she has played a pivotal role in helping shape the business into the brand it is today. With extensive experience across the brewing, hospitality and beverage industries, Jenny leads with confidence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Known for her ability to balance big-picture strategy with a sharp eye for detail, Jenny is the trusted leader who keeps the business moving forward while staying true to its roots. Respected by colleagues, partners and customers alike, she's the heart of the brewery and the steady hand behind its continued success.
Jenna Farrell
Jenna is the powerhouse behind Sydney Brewery's day-to-day operations. Working across production planning, brewery operations, customer partnerships and business coordination, she ensures every part of the brewery is connected and running smoothly.
With a deep understanding of how the business works from the ground up, Jenna combines practical know-how with a can-do attitude that keeps the team moving forward.
Richard Feyn
Richard is the creative force behind Sydney Brewery's memorable brands and campaigns.
A marketer by trade and entrepreneur at heart, he founded Sydney Cider and played a pioneering role in helping shape Australia's craft cider movement. With decades of experience in branding, advertising and beverage marketing, Richard has an uncanny ability to spot opportunities, build brands and connect great products with the people who love them.
Known for his passion, creativity and relentless drive, Richard has helped guide the growth of both Sydney Brewery and Sydney Cider through innovative marketing, bold ideas and a deep understanding of the industry.
Chris Ryan
Chris is a key contributor to Sydney Brewery's sales success.
With years of experience in the beverage industry and unrivalled knowledge of his territories, from Newcastle and Greater Sydney through to the ACT and regional New South Wales, he knows the market like the back of his hand. Whether it's identifying new opportunities, building strong customer relationships, or growing our presence in key venues, Chris is always one step ahead.
Possessing unharnessed energy, commercial instinct and deep understanding of the industry, Chris leads from the front and thrives on being out in the market.
Frederike Braitinger
Fred sits at the intersection of brand, customer experience and commercial growth.
With a talent for connecting strategy with execution, she works across all Sydney Brewery's venues, beverage portfolio and events business to deliver marketing initiatives that strengthen brands, engage customers and support sales.
Whether developing the new loyalty programs Brewards, launching products, coordinating campaigns or enhancing the digital customer journey, Fred is known for her ability to bring structure, momentum and results to complex projects.
Lisa Doppler
Since joining the business in 2015, Lisa has played a key role in delivering some of Australia's most successful beer and cider events.
With a wealth of experience in event management and stakeholder engagement, she oversees Newcastle Beer Fest, Canberra Beer & Cider Festival, Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival, Harbour2Vine Cycle Classic and the newly acquired GABS Festival.
Respected for her professionalism, organisation and calm leadership, Lisa plays a central role in the success of the company's growing events portfolio.
Nathan Holgersson
Nate is the mastermind behind Sydney Brewery's ever-evolving beer lineup.
Overseeing brewing operations across the Hunter Valley, Surry Hills, Rozelle and Alexandria, he works closely with our brewing teams to ensure every batch meets the highest standards while driving innovation and new releases.
Known for his scientific approach and curiosity, Nate blends technical precision with creative thinking. Armed with an Audio Engineering degree, a love of great beer and a passion for surfing, he's always testing, refining and improving.
Tom Lea
Tom is the most experienced member of Sydney Brewery's brewing team and a cornerstone of our Hunter Valley operations.
For more than eight years, he has helped shape the brewery's success through his exceptional brewing expertise, commitment to quality and passion for the craft. With a deep understanding of brewing techniques and processes, Tom has played an integral role in developing many of the beers that have become customer favourites over the years.
Known for his professionalism, loyalty and wealth of brewing knowledge, Tom was instrumental in the recent Lovedale expansion and contributed significantly to the planning and development of our new Hunter Valley facilities.
Danielle McDonald
Dani is the heart and driving energy of the brewhouse and creative lab at Sydney Brewery's Surry Hills Brewery.
With six years of brewing experience and a unique corporate background in human resources, she brings together people skills, technical expertise and a passion for innovation in equal measure. From overseeing daily brewing operations to developing new recipes and refining existing favourites, Dani plays a key role in ensuring every beer delivers on quality and character.
EDDIE BROWN
Eddie oversees brewing operations at Sydney Brewery Alexandria, ensuring every beer meets the highest standards of quality, consistency and craftsmanship.
Working across production, innovation and quality control, he plays a vital role in shaping the beers our customers know and love while continually exploring new styles, flavours and techniques that keep the brewery evolving.
Known for his methodical approach and deep understanding of the brewing process, Eddie combines technical expertise with a genuine passion for the craft.
Simon Thistlewood
Simon is a Winemaker by trade and uses this experience
to fashion our craft cider range with expert precision. From OG Sydney Cider to our full flavoured range, he ensures quality processes from juice procurement to finished product, all with a minimum of fuss.
Simon is at the forefront of our cider development program, always looking for new ideas to expand our offering, be it in draught or pack. So keep your eyes peeled for our next limited edition or experimental cider, it's bound to get your juices flowing.
Reece Martin
Reece is Sydney Brewery's Production Manager and a key part of our Hunter Valley operations.
Based at our Lovedale site, he is responsible for ensuring the brewery and its facilities operate to the highest standard, overseeing maintenance, equipment performance and the day-to-day technical requirements of a busy brewing operation.
Having grown within the business and developed his expertise through hands-on experience, Reece brings a practical approach and strong understanding of the brewery's operations. From coordinating maintenance programs to resolving technical challenges and supporting site improvements, he plays an important role in keeping things running smoothly.
Lachlan Clark
Lachlan is a key member of Sydney Brewery’s operations team and the driving force behind our logistics network.
Based at our World Square logistics hub, he coordinates the movement of fresh beer and cider across our venues and customers, ensuring every delivery arrives on time and where it’s needed.
Managing delivery schedules, wholesale orders and regional transport, Lachlan works closely with teams across the business to keep operations running smoothly. Often behind the scenes, he plays a vital role in connecting our brewery, venues and customers, helping ensure the right products are in the right place at the right time.
Raz Dryer
If there's one person who keeps the wheels turning, it's Raz.
Having been part of the journey from the very beginning, he has become an indispensable member of the team, ensuring equipment, infrastructure and people get where they need to be, safely and on time.
Whether he's behind the wheel of the company's biggest truck, leading the crew on the road, or arriving at an event with his two loyal four-legged sidekicks by his side, Raz brings unmatched dedication, reliability and good humour to everything he does.
And when he's not on the road, you'll often find him behind the decks at Sydney Brewery Alexandria, spinning the tunes that get everyone up and dancing every Friday afternoon.
Tom Kertesz
Tom recently joined the Sydney Brewery team after building his career across some of Sydney's most recognised hospitality venues and breweries.
With a background spanning venue operations, events and customer experience, he is passionate about creating welcoming environments for guests while supporting strong teams behind the scenes.
Known for his practical approach and genuine enthusiasm for hospitality, Tom is a natural people person who enjoys connecting with customers, colleagues and industry partners alike. His energy, professionalism and passion for great food, beer and hospitality make him a valuable addition to the team.
Chris Reynolds
With 13 years of industry experience, Chris oversees the kitchens at Sydney Brewery Alexandria and Sydney Brewery Rozelle with professionalism, creativity and a keen eye for quality.
His passion for flavour and commitment to excellence are reflected in every dish that leaves the kitchen.
Known for his approachable nature and positive attitude, Chris fosters a kitchen culture centred on teamwork, consistency and great food. Whether developing new menu items or perfecting customer favourites, he brings enthusiasm and care to every service, helping deliver the memorable dining experiences Sydney Brewery is known for.