Tim Lord, CEO and managing director of HPA (Hop Product Australia), has announced he plans to retire in 2025 after nearly two decades overseeing a a period of significant transition and growth at the Tasmania-based hop growers.
During his time at HPA, the scale and character of the Australian beer industry has changed dramatically, and the nature of the country's hop industry has evolved at the same time, with Tim playing a major role in transforming the country's largest hop grower to become a producer of predominantly aroma and flavour forward varieties.
The launch of Galaxy, in particular, helped put Australian hops on the map globally, and has been followed by a number of other high profile launches, including Vic Secret and Eclipse. At the same time, a series of major expansions, upgrades and new builds have taken place at HPA's propertied in Tasmania and the Victorian High Country.
In a statement (see below) announcing his upcoming retirement, Tim said: “I am very proud of what we have achieved together, and I am confident about the future of the business in the hands of the current leadership team.”
Media Release: HPA’s CEO & Managing Director Tim Lord Announces Retirement
The Hop Products Australia (HPA) Board and shareholders would like to announce that CEO & Managing Director Tim Lord is set to retire in 2025. Mr Lord joined HPA in November 2005, transforming the business during his 19 years at the helm.
Shareholder Stephan Barth said: “Tim will leave an enduring legacy having led HPA with great vision and energy throughout his tenure of outstanding leadership. He has managed HPA with distinction after joining the business during a challenging time, and was instrumental in shifting the focus to developing and growing flavour hops to support the rapid growth of the craft beer segment. The international success of Galaxy is testament to this.
"During his term we have seen the business grow tenfold across Tasmania and Victoria, constructing and commissioning a new processing facility to bolster the existing Rostrevor farm operations, expanding the footprint of the recently established Buffalo River Valley farm operations, as well as building a business case and overseeing construction of the new pelleting, packaging and storage facility in Myrtleford, Victoria.”
Mr Barth continued: “On behalf of the shareholders, I would like to extend our deep gratitude to Tim for his leadership and integrity, and for the instrumental role he has played in HPA becoming a world recognised supplier of flavour hops. He laid out the vision for HPA’s growth in Australia and overseas.”
Tim Lord said: “I can honestly say I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at HPA. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with great people across the global BarthHaas group and enjoyed the hospitality of hop producers on farms around the world. And of course, forged lasting friendships over a beer or two with passionate brewers across the international brewing community.”
Mr Lord continued: “It really is the people we work with that makes all the difference, and I believe we have assembled a great team at HPA. I am very proud of what we have achieved together, and I am confident about the future of the business in the hands of the current leadership team.”
The Board, with the assistance of search firm Derwent, will identify a new CEO who can build on Mr Lord’s legacy and spearhead the business’ next phase of growth. Mr Lord will continue as CEO and Managing Director providing leadership and continuity until the appointment of his successor, ensuring a smooth transition.
Photo at the top by Natalie Mendham.
