Mel Ashton
Non-Executive Chairman
Qualifications:  B. Com, FCA, FAICD

Mr Ashton holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Western Australia, is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.  Mr Ashton also currently holds a number of board appointments, including director and vice-president of the Fremantle Football Club Ltd, regional chairman at the Institute of Chartered Accountants (Western Australia Branch).  He is currently the chairman for Gryphon Minerals Limited and Venture Minerals Ltd.

Phillip Gallagher
Managing Director
Qualifications:  B. Bus (Marketing)

Phil has more than 12 years experience in the beer industry and has been one of the forces behind Foster’s consistent rise to number one in Western Australia. Most recently Phil has been responsible for driving Matilda Bay Brewing Company’s push to be one of the most successful small breweries in Australia. Phil has joined Empire’s team as Managing Director and will drive the group’s business direction.

Ian Macliver
Non-Executive Director
Qualifications:  B. Com, CA, FFIN, MAICD

Ian commenced his career at Arthur Andersen where he specialised in fundraising, mergers and acquisitions and company valuations. Ian subsequently held positions over nine years in a general manager or executive director capacity with Century Holdings Ltd (listed investment company), Portman Mining Ltd (listed iron ore miner) and McLernon Group Ltd (corporate advisory/licensed securities dealer). His experience at these companies covered all areas of corporate activity including capital raisings, acquisitions, divestments, takeovers, business and strategic planning, debt and equity reconstructions, operating projects and financial reviews and valuations.

Ian established Grange Consulting Group in 1995 with a view to creating a specialist corporate advisory business providing a unique range of services to listed and unlisted companies. As a result of his corporate experience, Ian has established contacts with many venture capital and broking institutions. Ian is currently a director and/or chairman of a number of listed companies.

Kate Lamont
Non-Executive Director

Kate Lamont is an operating partner in the Lamont family business which operates wine production and sales with restaurants in the Swan Valley, Margaret River and East Perth.  Kate is also the chairperson of the Tourism Western Australia Board of Commissioners.

Kate has more than two decades of experience in the food and wine industry and has served on the Australian Tourist Commission (now Tourism Australia) Board.  Kate chaired the Swan Valley Planning Committee for seven years and sits on both the Winemakers Federation of Australia's wine tourism alliance and research and development priority setting group, as well as the State Government's Skills Formation Taskforce, representing hospitality and tourism interests.

Philip Lucas
Non-Executive Director
Qualifications:  B Juris LLB

Philip is a corporate solicitor with over 15 years of experience.  He was previously a partner with a national law firm before becoming a founding member of Pullinger Readhead Lucas, a boutique firm focussed on commercial and corporate law.  Phil has advised on numerous initial public offerings by companies in a variety of sectors as well as advising listed companies with respect to corporate transactions.