The Institute of Brewing & Distilling Announces Bhavya Mandanna as a New President

The Institute of Brewing & Distilling has announced Bhavya Mandanna as the new President of the organisation, taking on the role from Douglas Murray who has stepped down at the end of his two-year tenure. Douglas will remain in the role of Immediate Past President and as a Director and Trustee of the IBD. 

This announcement reflects the global reach of the IBD and the relevance of technical education and professional development in an increasingly diverse and competitive industry.

As the new President, Bhavya’s main responsibilities will be Board leadership, advocacy and promotion of the IBD’s relevance to the membership and wider industry.

Originally from Bangalore, in India, Bhavya started her professional career at Molson Coors in the UK, in 2010 as a Supply Chain Brewing Student, and progressed to become Technical Brewer before she joined Carlsberg UK in 2014. Since then, Bhavya has gained extensive senior leadership experience in the supply chain, in positions including Regional Team Lead – Brewing and Processing – Western Europe, Production Director for Olympic Brewery S.A. (a part of Carlsberg Group) in Greece, and most recently as Senior Director of Production for Carlsberg Denmark.

Bhavya holds an MBA from the University of Warwick and a Master qualification in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University. In 2014, she became one of the youngest IBD Master Brewers and winner of the J S Hough Award.

“It is a true honour to take on the role of the President of the IBD, continue the great work done by Douglas and support the Board in our global expansion. 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. With successful careers built on strong education focussed on the most up to date practices and technologies, professional development and networking opportunities strengthened through global events and conferences – both physical when permitted, and online - the relevance and reach of the IBD will only grow from strength to strength”, said Bhavya Mandanna, IBD President.

“We are delighted to have Bhavya as our new President. She is exceptionally talented and will bring an additional innovative mindset to further support our ambitions to serve the industry. Her stellar career provides a fine example, not only of the talent and ambition that new cohorts are bringing to the industry but also of the generosity of previous generations of brewers and distillers who have freely given of their experience and wisdom.

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 and always being there with a guiding hand and sage advice. 

Bhavya and Douglas are truly representative of the level of talent and commitment that the IBD attracts to further the interests of the industry”, said Jerry Avis, IBD Chief Executive Officer.