Stephen Smith

Stephen Smith is the Managing Director and CEO of Moa Brewing Company Limited, a New Zealand-based craft brewery.12 He has been in this role since at least 2021 when he led a management buyout of the brewing operations from the publicly listed Moa Group.6

Smith has a strong background in the brewing industry, having spent over 15 years in marketing and sales at Lion Breweries, a major Australasian brewing conglomerate.1 During his time at Lion, he played a significant role in the successful launch of Steinlager Pure, leading marketing campaigns featuring celebrities like Harvey Keitel and Willem Dafoe.1

Since taking over Moa Brewing Company, Smith has focused on:

1. Returning the company to its Marlborough roots and emphasizing its status as an independent, local company.2
2. Distancing the brand from its controversial past marketing strategies, which he described as making him "sick".2
3. Streamlining operations and increasing production, with the company brewing 1.5 million liters of beer in 2023, an 18% increase.3
4. Developing new products, including lower-carb and lower-alcohol options to meet changing consumer demands.3

Smith is described as a motivated and passionate leader who builds strong relationships across all business partners and external agencies.4 He has also held positions as Director at Perry Group Ltd. and Director at Three Peaks Manuka.5