Institute of Brewing and Distilling announces new president

The Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) has announced Bhavya Mandanna as its new president.

Originally from Bangalore, India, Mandanna began her professional career at Molson Coors in 2010 as a supply chain brewing student, progressing to become a technical brewer. She moved to Carlsberg UK in 2014 and has since gained a wealth of senior leadership experience, most recently as senior production director at Carlsberg Denmark.

She holds a masters degree in brewing and distilling from Heriot-Watt University, and in 2014 she became one of the youngest IBD Master Brewers.

As president of the IBD, Mandanna will be responsible for board leadership, advocacy and promotion of the IBD to its members and the wider drinks industry. She takes over from Douglas Murray, who is stepping down after a two-year tenure and will remain invoved in the organisation as immediate past president.

The IBD, a London-based education and training provider, says this new appointment "reflects the global reach of the IBD and the relevance of technical education and professional development in an increasingly diverse and competitive industry".

Of her appointment, Mandanna said: "The IBD holds a special place in my heart having provided an international community of support and professional development (and continued to do so throughout) since I left India 12 years ago to start my career in the brewing and distilling industry in the UK.

"In the current world where change is the only constant, I'm glad to have this opportunity to work with the IBD to contribute towards the meaningful progression of many more students and professionals."

"[Bhavya] is exceptionally talented and will bring an additional innovative mindset to further support our ambitions to serve the industry," said Jerry Avis, CEO of the IBD.

"I'd also like to recognise the fantastic job that Douglas Murray has done in the last two years in steering the IBD through some of the most difficult times in recent history."

23 November 2021 - Bethany Whymark