About
The Australian Beverages Council Ltd (ABCL) is the peak body representing the non-alcoholic beverage industry.…
Read MoreThe Australian Beverages Council is managed by a team of dedicated staff with expertise in their respective areas.
In 2009, Geoff was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Beverages Council. Since then, Geoff has successfully managed two mergers, significantly raised the Beverages Council’s profile with key stakeholders and firmly positioned the organisation as the peerless, respected voice of the $9+ billion non-alcoholic beverage industry in Australia.
In 2010, Geoff was elected President of the International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA) and further elected for a consecutive two-year term in 2012. In 2016, Geoff was appointed the inaugural Executive Director of the ICBA Asia Pacific Regional Group.
Geoff has over 20 years’ involvement in boardrooms, including global training companies, national not-for-profits, arts organisations, public companies, statutory authorities and international associations in both director and chair roles.
Geoff is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Australian Institute of Management and Leaders, and holds qualifications from The University of Queensland and The University of Cambridge. Geoff divides his time between Sydney, Brisbane and overseas markets. He is a rugby tragic, terrible golfer, avid runner and enjoys cooking and wine matching.
Lise is a senior corporate affairs and public policy leader with experience spanning government, politics, and the private and not-for-profit sectors across Australia. She has led the design, administration, implementation and monitoring of highly complex, sensitive and often contentious programs, campaigns and strategic initiatives across all States and Territories.
At the Australian Beverages Council, Lise brings a deep understanding of the machinery of government and the dynamic political and funding landscape, positioning the organisation to navigate regulatory reform, public policy debates and stakeholder expectations with confidence. Her experience across policy and advocacy, communications and media, stakeholder engagement, membership and partnerships, corporate social responsibility, governance, and issues, risk and crisis management strengthens the Council’s ability to represent members effectively and responsibly.
With a values-led and impact-driven approach, Lise focuses on organisational transformation, cultural renewal, growth and performance uplift. She works closely with the Board, members, policymakers and industry partners to align diverse interests, build collaborative relationships and lead high-performing teams that deliver practical, outcomes-focused solutions for the Australian beverage sector.
Shannon is a sustainability professional with experience spanning sustainable packaging, circular economy policy, and industry-led environmental reform across the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. Her work focuses on packaging and plastics, climate, water, and waste issues, including container deposit schemes and global plastics policy.
With a background that combines strong analytical rigour and systems thinking, Shannon focuses on translating complex policy and sustainability challenges into practical pathways for industry. She works closely with businesses, governments, and international partners to align diverse stakeholders, strengthen industry capability, and support responsible and resilient outcomes that stand up to both regulatory scrutiny and real-world delivery.
Originally from New York, Shannon moved to Australia in 2013 to complete her master’s degree at the University of Sydney. She brings a global perspective to her work, with active involvement in international policy discussions and cross-border collaboration on plastics and circular economy reform. She is an Associate Director of the Australasian Institute of Packaging and a Certified Packaging Professional.
Cameron is an experienced policy, parliamentary and strategy adviser, working across a range of public policy subject matters.
As a former Ministerial Adviser in the NSW Government, Cameron led progress on the state’s multi-billion-dollar school building and maintenance program and contributed to the development of renewable energy and sustainable building initiatives, including the launch of the Smart Energy Schools pilot project. Cameron also spent time in the office of the NSW Premier providing strategic communication and parliamentary support.
Key to achieving results is Cameron’s ability to build relationships with a range of stakeholders and develop strong networks, skills he will employ to support members of the Australian Beverages Council navigate the policy landscape.
When not working, you will find Cameron spending time with family and friends, reading, attending live music or cheering on the mighty Sydney Swans.
Paula is a food science professional with a master’s degree in food science and technology from Szent István University, Hungary, and a bachelor’s degree in food science from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. She has a strong background in food safety systems and regulations.
Bringing her expertise to the Australian Beverages Council, Paula is dedicated to supporting members in upholding industry standards and navigating the changing nutrition and regulatory landscape.
In her free time, Paula enjoys running, hiking, and travelling.
Ambika is a regulatory and food industry professional with a Master’s in Biotechnology and Commerce. She brings more than 14 years of experience across regulatory affairs, product development and packaging within global food and ingredient businesses, including roles at The Arnott’s Group and Symrise AG. Ambika has a strong background in regulatory compliance and translating complex food standards requirements into practical, commercially workable solutions.
Bringing her expertise to the Australian Beverages Council, Ambika is dedicated to supporting members in navigating the evolving nutrition, labelling and regulatory landscape, while ensuring continuity during Paula’s maternity leave.
Outside of work, Ambika enjoys reading.
Lauren is an experienced communication and marketing professional with a bachelor’s degree in communication from The University Of Technology. As Communications Manager at the Australian Beverages Council, Lauren is dedicated to fostering genuine connections and clean communication with our members.
Passionate about crafting impactful messaging, Lauren brings creativity and a results-oriented mindset to every project, ensuring meaningful engagement with diverse audiences.
Outside work, Lauren enjoys exploring new creative projects, baking, and spending quality time with her family.
Jacqui brings with her a wealth of experience, with a background in Law, she has gained extensive administration skills and a keen eye for detail. With her bubbly personality, she is the first point of contact for ABCL and is always happy to assist with any enquiries.
Her love of the ocean makes her passionate about environmental health and sustainability and led her to join the ABCL team. When she isn’t at work, you will find her exploring NSW coastlines or in her kitchen cooking up a feast for her family and friends.
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