Harpoon Brewery promotes Charlie Storey to president

The Harpoon Brewery announced the promotion of Charlie Storey to president. Since joining Harpoon in 1996, Storey has served as senior vice president of marketing. In his new role as president, Storey will oversee the marketing function, Harpoon’s retail and festival enterprises, and have general management responsibilities for the Harpoon Distributing Co. He will also assist Harpoon co-founder and CEO Dan Kenary with company strategy and business development.

“I believe Harpoon, and the craft beer segment in general, has tremendous opportunity for growth and will continue to be a driver in how US consumers perceive beer. That’s fun and rewarding,” Storey said. “I am especially excited to be in a leadership position at an employee-owned company. It is impressive what can happen when everyone works together towards a shared goal.”

This past August 48% of Harpoon’s shares were transferred to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Storey, who became friends with Kenary when both were undergraduates at Harvard College, helped oversee the brewery’s transition to employee ownership.

“Charlie has worn many hats over his 19 years at the brewery and has always done so with skill, commitment, and passion,” Kenary said. “His dedication to Harpoon is unparalleled and he will be an excellent leader in his new position.”

Harpoon Brand Manager Chris Bonacci will assume the role of assistant vice president of marketing. In his new role as AVP, Bonacci will oversee the brand team – including digital media, communications, design, Harpoon Helps and promotions. Bonacci, a graduate of Brown University, has been with Harpoon since 2002.

“I’m excited to be more involved with a team that is so deeply committed to continued success for Harpoon, and that shares a passion for the fun and sociability of great beer,” Bonacci said.

Both positions are effective immediately. Congrats, everyone.