Adelaide’s Big Shed Brewing has appointed a new CEO in former SANFL chief, Jake Parkinson

Big Shed Brewing was started by the Harris and Basford families 10 years ago in an industrial estate in Royal Park. In that time, it has grown from a 2 person operation to a local institution, employing over 50 people. It has moved from a 250 square metre warehouse to it’s new custom-built brewing and entertainment venue of some 4,000 square metres on Old Port Road and increased production 3 times despite the pandemic. This has been done largely by feel with the Craig, Nat, Jason and Rachel learning as they have gone. At each step they have worked to ‘employ people smarter than us’ and find expertise which supports their own passion, creativity and work ethic. The next phase in continuing the growth trajectory for Big Shed Brewing is the appointment of not just a CEO but a uniquely qualified one in Jake Parkinson.

Jake Parkinson, formerly CEO of the SANFL and previously Regional Director SA/NT at Lion Beer is excited to be back in the beer game with a brand as fun as Big Shed’s. “The boys have done a great job getting the Big Shed brand and products into the market and building a great business” says Parkinson, “My role is to bring my experience, expertise, and networks to the business. I am here not just to lead the business but to challenge and coach the leadership team to explore alternate opportunities which are strategically aligned to our business objectives”. Parkinson also brings insight into local primary production from his current role as CEO of Lenswood Apples.

Basford is equally excited, “There is no doubt Jake will take Big Shed to the next level. We’ve always had to learn from experience, sometimes painfully. We have benefited from Jake’s role leading our Advisory Board and to have someone of Jake’s experience permanently in our business will be game changing”. Harris added “We’ve always just been the guys doing the lot and we’ve made it work. To have Jake here empowers us to do what we do best, which is to innovate and promote all things Big Shed Brewing.”

This appointment is the latest step in Big Shed Brewing’s continuous drive to enhance what it does and how it does it to deliver being better products and better experiences for its loyal and ever increasing customer base.