Behind every beer brand you drink is an impressive team of beer professionals — brewers, barkeeps, bussers, canners, sales reps, CEOs, COOs, lab techs, interns and everyone from marketing and HR teams to warehouse and restaurant workers. “Beer professional” encapsulates a wide variety of jobs and skill sets. Breweries are constantly making moves to secure great employees and industry leaders. Oftentimes, it’s not even a beer pro, but a food or technology wiz that’s needed. Craft breweries and their suppliers and trade associations have many facets and require specialized employees. Here are a few of the big personnel headlines from the craft brewing industry in the last month plus. Send your beer pro news to [email protected].
Michigan Brewers Guild announces 2025 board of directors
The Michigan Brewers Guild recently announced its 2025 board of directors, welcoming two new board members who were voted in by the membership during the Michigan’s Great Beer State Conference in Kalamazoo earlier this month.
This year’s Board of Directors includes:
- Andrea Pernsteiner from Ore Dock Brewing in Marquette continues her second term will remain President;
- Edward Stencel of Unexpected Craft Brewing Co. in Oak Park, was elected to his second non-consecutive term and will serve as Vice President;
- Jason Spaulding of Brewery Vivant & Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits in the Grand Rapids area continues his second term on the board and will remain Secretary;
- Justin Buiter of Railtown Brewing Co., in Dutton, was elected to his first term on the board and will serve as Treasurer;
- Aaron Ross from the Sustainable Brewing Program at Kalamazoo Valley Community College was re-elected to his second term;
- Jef Smith from Loaded Dice Brewing Company in Troy continues his first term after being appointed to fill a vacancy in 2024.
- Eric Plata from Batch Brewing Co., in Detroit, continues his first term on the board.
The Michigan Brewers Guild was formed in 1997 and held its first festival in July 1998. Today, the Guild hosts four festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan beer produced by its nearly 300 member breweries.
The Michigan Brewers Guild is the network of innovative and passionate brewers that serves as the recognized advocate for the Michigan craft beer industry. The mission of the Michigan Brewers Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan craft beer industry with an overarching goal to help craft beer acquire 20% of the market by 2025.
Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes more than 17,000 full-time jobs and $700 million in labor income / wages, with a total economic impact of over $2.4 billion. In terms of overall number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #6 in the nation — supporting its title as “The Great Beer State.”
San Diego Brewers Guild announces 2025 board of directors
San Diego Brewers Guild, a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization that promotes local small businesses and entrepreneurs of craft beer, has appointed its 2025 board of directors and determined event dates for the calendar year. Kilowatt Brewing community relations director Esthela Davila is the new president, and the 17th Annual San Diego Beer Week will take place November 7-16. Brewers Guild executive director Erik Fowler made the announcement.
The 2025 board of directors:
- President – Esthela Davila, Kilowatt Brewing
- Vice President – Jeff Lozano, Ballast Point Brewing
- Secretary – Neva Parker, White Labs Brewing Co.
- Director – Diane Hilz, The Roadies Brewing Co.
- Director – Matthew Holden, holden consulting group
- Director – Aidan Kennedy, Coronado Brewing Co.
Director – Aaron Long, Mission Brewing - Historian – David Moore (non-voting)
- Treasurer – Bryan Carpenter, LevitZacks (non-voting)
Kilowatt’s Davila becomes president after serving as vice president in 2024 as a first-time board member. The Barrio Logan native has worked in the craft beer industry since 2014, initially producing beer festivals and events with Push Pins Media. She spent time with Border X Brewing from 2020-22, and she helped open Mujeres Brew House in 2021 as San Diego’s first brewery entirely run by women.
“It is difficult to think of too many people who are more dedicated to, and more passionate about, San Diego’s craft beer scene,” Fowler said. “Esthela’s commitment to promoting women in craft beer, especially Latinas, is a tremendous bonus. She has been a leader for a long time, and this new role suits her well to say the least.”
Davila also hosted The Indie Beer Show podcast from 2018-23, serving as the first female host of the show. The Normal Heights resident joined Kilowatt in 2022 as assistant general manager after her time with Border X. She is a graduate of Point Loma High School, and she went on to study child development at San Diego City College.
“The San Diego craft beer scene has certainly faced its challenges recently with brewery closures,” Davila said. “But Erik, my fellow board members, and I are all going full steam ahead to help maintain San Diego as The Capital of Craft. We are look forward to more flourishing times for our independent craft breweries.”
San Diego beer events in 2025 include the Seventh Annual Pucks & Pints charity hockey game (March 29), Fourth Annual SD Beer Weekend (June 27-29), Fourth Annual San Diego Craft Beer Con (August TBD), and 17th Annual San Diego Beer Week (November 7-16). Individual brewery events for throughout the year are posted on the Brewers Guild’s calendar.
The Brewers Guild also sponsors a Tap Into Knowledge educational series throughout the year, and the first event is Saturday, January 25 at Mcilhenney Brewing Co. in Alpine with a topic of ‘Harnessing Hops’. While the event is primarily for professional brewers, anyone interested in learning about hops is welcome to attend. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. This Tap Into Knowledge runs from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon.
San Diego County is known as The Capital of Craft, a moniker that was trademarked in 2015. The Brewers Guild was founded in 1997 with 15 breweries. Fowler was named the Guild’s executive director in October 2023. He is a Certified Cicerone, a certification for skilled beer professionals that is often referred to as the equivalent for sommeliers of wine.
Original 40 Brewing Co. names former Modern Times brewer Kyle Fjalstad as new head brewer
North Park’s The Original 40 Brewing Co. has named former Modern Times barrel-program manager Kyle Fjalstad as its new head brewer. Original 40 Founder Steve Billings made the announcement.
Fjalstad spent five years with Modern Times, and he won two medals at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival, the nation’s largest professional brewing competition commonly referred to as “The Oscars” of the craft beer industry. Fjalstad and is team earned a Silver Medal for “Mega Devils Teeth — Double Dutch S’mores Edition” in the Pastry Stout category. He also won a Bronze Medal in the same category for his “Chaos Grid: The Final Final Course.”
A San Diego State alumnus, Fjalstad started his professional brewing career as an intern at San Diego’s Council Brewing in 2016. He became a full-time brewer in 2017, working out of the brewery’s Kearny Mesa and Santee locations. In early 2019, he joined Temecula’s Black Market Brewing. Fjalstad then returned to San Diego in September 2019 to start his tenure with Modern Times.
“Brewing beer has been my passion of mine for a long time,” Fjalstad said. “I am looking forward to expanding outside barrel-aged beers and bringing the North Park community and all of San Diego a potpourri of brews that everyone will savor no matter the season or time of day. Original 40 has solidified itself as one of our city’s best brewpubs, and I will continue to carry the torch for it.”
Original 40 was voted as Best Brewpub 2024 by readers of San Diego Magazine.
“We are blessed to have had outstanding brewers since our opening in 2019, and Kyle is a welcome addition to now take the reins,” Billings said. “I believe his knowledge and work ethic will take our beer to the next level. We always strive to have something for everyone.”
Fjalstad, who is of Norwegian heritage, started home brewing in 2010 at the age of 24 after his time at San Diego State and earning a Professional Certificate in Brewing from UC San Diego Extended Studies. He and his wife Sarah were married last October, and they recently returned from their honeymoon to Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris. They reside in South Park.
Original 40 opens at 12:00 noon Monday – Friday and at 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The brewpub, located at 3117 University Avenue, is named after the original 40-acre parcel of land that became modern day North Park.
21st Amendment Co-Packing and Brewing Co. announces Peter Wiens as plant manager
The 21st Amendment Co-Packing/Brewing Co. recently announced the appointment of Peter Wiens as its new plant manager. A 25-year industry veteran with an exceptional track record spanning iconic breweries and global beverage leaders, Wiens brings a wealth of expertise and innovation to the 21st Amendment family. Wiens’ distinguished career includes pivotal roles at some of the world’s most renowned brewing institutions. Most recently, as brewmaster at Guinness/Diageo Open Gate Brewery and Barrelhouse, Wiens led groundbreaking projects that redefined brewing excellence.
Previous to that, he led Stone Brewing Co. as brewmaster and senior director of brewery operations East Coast where he navigated complex operations while maintaining the highest standards of quality and creativity. Prior to his time at Stone, Wiens was at his family’s brewery, Wiens Brewing Co., where he served as director of operations. In that role, he led all aspects of brewing, quality, and packaging, including the install and startup of the brewery.
Wiens also spent 12 years in various roles at Anheuser-Busch, where he served as senior manager of quality and business manager, among other positions. His work there honed his skills in scaling production while adhering to meticulous quality controls, a skill set that aligns perfectly with the 21st Amendment’s commitment to excellence.
“We are thrilled to welcome Peter Wiens to the team,” said both 21st Amendment Cofounders Nico Freccia and Shaun O’Sulivan. “Peter’s unparalleled industry knowledge and leadership will elevate our brewing operations, enabling us to better serve our partners and customers while driving innovation and expanding our capabilities in the craft and co-packing space.”
In his new role, Wiens will oversee all brewing and production operations, focusing on expanding the company’s capabilities, enhancing quality assurance, and fostering the development of new and exciting products.
“I am honored to join 21st Amendment Co-Packing/Brewing Company,” said Wiens. “This is a dynamic team with an incredible reputation, and I look forward to building on their success by bringing my passion for brewing and operational excellence to this exciting new chapter.”
The 21st Amendment Co-Packing/Brewing Co. is recognized for its state-of-the-art facilities and dedication to brewing world-class beverages for its own portfolio and its trusted partners. With Wiens at the helm of brewing operations, the company is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation.
Asahi names Paul Verdu as new leader of AB USA and Octopi Brewing, invests $35M in Octopi Brewing
Paul Verdu has been appointed as managing director of Asahi Beer USA Inc. (AB USA) and Octopi Brewing, LLC (Octopi), both part of Asahi Europe & International, to lead the company’s ambitious growth plans. AB USA markets Asahi Super Dry, the No. 1 Japanese Beer Brand Globally*, and Twisted Shotz, the U.S.’ No.1 drink of choice in the Prepared Cocktail category Cocktails Shooters subcategory**. Verdu will hold overall responsibility for the combined business strategy and delivery from sales through to supply chain, as the companies continue to integrate into one organization.
Octopi was acquired in January 2024 as part of the Asahi Group’s plans for growth in the United States. The Waunakee, Wisconsin, facility will produce super premium beer brands from Asahi’s global portfolio including Asahi Super Dry and Kozel for the United States, as well as other beverages in the ready-to-drink category, in addition to serving its existing contract manufacturing customer base. The site, which employed 241 people before the acquisition has since seen a 5.4% headcount growth.
Verdu has extensive experience in the beer industry, having worked for Molson Coors, SABMiller, Constellation Brands Beer Division and most recently as president of Wisconsin Brewing Co.
“I’m thrilled to join Asahi at this pivotal moment, as we prepare for production of Asahi’s brands at Octopi, right alongside our fantastic co-packing clients’ products,” he said. “We are also focused on creating a combined organization that marries our commercial sales and marketing excellence, technical expertise and Asahi’s global scale to enable our future growth.”
Octopi is also undergoing a period of technical expansion and transformation, with over $35 million being invested over a three-year period. The investment will improve safety and quality, and enhance beverage production and packaging capabilities at the facility. The investment began in 2024 with several pieces of equipment having arrived in recent months and the site preparing for installation. While work will continue into 2026, most of the transformation is expected to be complete in 2025. The investment includes:
- The maximization of the existing square footage to include new safety and quality control equipment.
- New brewing equipment and processes (under the supervision of expert brewmasters from Japan and The Czech Republic) to enable Octopi to produce Asahi brand products to exacting global standards.
- A new bottling line and improved packaging capabilities to deliver packaging solutions that better meet customer requirements.
Verdu concludes, “This multimillion-dollar investment at Octopi will help us to expand on our overall brewing and packaging capabilities so that we can better meet customer, consumer and employee needs. It is also a key enabler for the growth of Asahi Super Dry and other iconic Asahi brands across the country — there’s a lot to look forward to!”
*Based on 2023 actual volume of sales, GlobalData research
** According to Nielsen data on total sales by value and volume (equivalent cases) in 2024 in the US
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