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, and 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].
Job opportunity? Craft Maltsters Guild is currently looking for an executive director
The Craft Maltsters Guild is in search of a new organization leader. The board of directors’ ED Search Committee has taken the last several weeks to evaluate the needs of the guild for a new executive director. If you are a potential candidate with strong leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills who has experience in the small grains supply chain, click the link below. Applications for the position will be accepted through June 30.
Click here for the job description and application instructions.
Vermont’s Lawson’s Finest Liquids appoints CEO Adeline Druart
Lawson’s Finest Liquids recently announced that Adeline Druart, former president of Vermont Creamery, will join the brewery’s executive leadership as chief executive officer. Sean and Karen Lawson, who founded Lawson’s Finest Liquids in 2008 and have grown the presence of the Vermont brewery’s iconic flagship brews including Sip of Sunshine to distribution in nine states across the Northeast, will maintain positions as stewards of the brand.
“Adeline’s 20 success-filled years of CPG leadership qualify her, but her enthusiasm for leading with purpose is what makes her the right fit for the team,” said Karen Lawson. “She’s uniquely capable of creating a company culture that cultivates community, protects the planet and takes pride in producing a delicious, quality product.”
As the brewery’s first hired CEO, Druart brings experience from another darling Vermont-based crafter — Vermont Creamery. The specialty dairy company, widely celebrated by artisan cheese lovers for its award-winning quality, vibrant culture and impactful sustainability mission, achieved B Corp Certification and recognition by Inc. Magazine as one of the most purposeful brands of 2021.
Druart led the successful transition of the company from founder-owned to Fortune 250 US company Land O’Lakes in 2017, as a result of years of effective strategic growth. She continued to drive sales and brand awareness for Vermont Creamery as president while serving as vice president and corporate officer of the farmer-owned cooperative in Land O’Lakes’ Dairy Foods Division until February 2023. Druart currently serves as board member of the nonprofit business association Vermont Business for Social Responsibility and joined Let’s Grow Kids CEO Think Tank in 2020.
Druart’s unexpected path to CEO of Lawson’s Finest goes back to 2002, when she traveled from France to the United States for the first time for a two-month cheesemaking internship as part of her Master in Biotechnology degree. She returned to Vermont Creamery as operations manager upon graduating and served a 19-year tenure with the dairy company.
“Beer and cheese have so much in common, with vibrant culture, quality products and room in the industry to grow,” said Druart. “The culture Sean and Karen have fostered and the lasting social and environmental impact they have made is truly remarkable. As a maker at heart and a fierce believer in using business for good, Lawson’s Finest is a company I admire. I am so fortunate to join the team.”
Lawson’s Finest, which recently earned B Corp Certification in May 2023, has donated more than $1.9 million to worthwhile causes and community-building efforts since 2018 as a part of its Social Impact Program. By mid-June 2023, Lawson’s Finest will generate 100 percent of the electricity used each year through solar power, provided by a combination of rooftop arrays and the largest parking lot canopy in Vermont.
“As Karen and I take a step back from the day to day, we’re reengaging our focus on the long-term vision we set out with in 2008 — to make the finest beers possible, to keep it fresh and authentic, to focus on community, and ultimately, to take good care and be a force for good in the world,” said Sean Lawson. Experience the unique Lawson’s Finest community culture at its destination brewery, taproom and retail store in Waitsfield to try an award-winning beer or find Lawson’s Finest in the cooler section of your favorite retail store throughout the Northeast.
New Belgium CEO Steve Fechheimer will step down after six years
After nearly six years spent driving New Belgium Brewing Co.’s ascent to become a craft beer leader, Steve Fechheimer recently announced he will step down as chief executive officer in August to explore new challenges.
“It’s been an honor to lead New Belgium for the past six years,” said Fechheimer. “This is a truly special company, cofounded by Kim Jordan, a social worker, who asked me to help stabilize the business and pursue a new era of growth — all while never wavering in our core belief that business works best when it works for the people who power it. I’m immensely proud of our team, and I’m excited for New Belgium’s next chapter built on the solid foundation we’ve established so far.”
Since joining New Belgium as CEO in 2017, Fechheimer leveraged the company’s founding principles and unconventional “human-powered” approach to business to build a powerful case study in how to generate lasting financial performance through deep investments in the coworkers and communities who make the business run.
During his tenure, Fechheimer steered New Belgium through a series of major milestones, including:
- The sale of the company by its coworkers, who formerly owned 100 percent of shares, to the Lion Group in 2019 — paving the way for further growth and investments;
- Joining forces with Bell’s Brewery in 2021, a move that made New Belgium North America’s largest craft beer platform with a portfolio including Voodoo Ranger and Fat Tire Ale, coupled with Two Hearted IPA and Oberon Ale, along with popular and innovative brands like Dominga Mimosa Sour, Hopslam, and La Folie Sour Brown Ale and an award-winning wood-aged sour program;
- The growth of Voodoo Ranger, America’s #1 IPA brand, which has been a rare brand capable of expanding the craft beer community and inviting new drinkers into the category at a time when the craft beer industry has largely struggled.
- The emergence of Fat Tire Ale as America’s first certified carbon neutral beer, the establishment of industry-leading climate goals, and a bold relaunch of New Belgium’s iconic flagship with a new Fat Tire recipe and brand built to engage the next generation of craft beer fans in a movement to protect the only planet with beer;
- The 2023 acquisition of a state-of-the-art, 259,000 square foot production brewery in Daleville, Va., from Constellation Brands — a deal that will expand New Belgium’s existing production capacity to meet current demand and continue to grow beyond the craft category with potential future FMB, seltzer, and RTD innovations;
- The consistent strengthening of Human-Powered Business practices throughout the business, including strong and consistent action and advocacy for social and environmental change; a new governance structure to enshrine Human-Powered Business practices deep into the company’s operations; and the continued recognition of New Belgium’s ESG leadership by independent organizations like the Human Rights Campaign and B Lab, which certifies New Belgium as a leading B Corporation globally.
“Steve leaves an incredible legacy, delivering strong growth while staying true to New Belgium’s Human-Powered Business model,” said Lion Group CEO Sam Fischer. “One of the hallmarks of a great leader is the strength of the team they build around them. Steve has grown an exceptional leadership team who I know will keep driving this business forward with purpose and heart to achieve great things for New Belgium’s coworkers, communities, and customers.”
Fischer added, “The United States is a priority market for Lion, and we are excited about the future ahead for our craft beer and wine businesses here. We are committed to New Belgium’s Human-Powered Business model and continuing to foster the very special culture that underpins it.”
New Belgium’s Chief Financial Officer Danielle McLarnon, with her 19-years of tenure at New Belgium, will serve as interim CEO starting August 1 (photo above), while a search is underway for a permanent chief executive.
New Belgium Cofounder Kim Jordan added, “Steve was the perfect leader for New Belgium when he joined us in 2017. I’m immensely grateful for all that he’s done for the business, its coworkers, and our communities. I will miss knowing he’s leading the business every day, but I’m excited to see how New Belgium continues to evolve as the leader in craft beer and in progressive business practices.”
Willie’s Superbrew announces Mark Hegedus as new CEO
Wille’s Superbrew recently announced its hard seltzers will be available at retail locations again this summer, and the company also announced the hiring of industry veteran Mark Hegedus as its chief executive officer.
“We are excited to bring Willie’s Superbrew back to the market,” said Willie’s Superbrew Board Member Marcia Hooper. “Willie’s Superbrews are always made with real fruit and brewed with care and the time needed to develop their layered and full flavor. Superbrews remain gluten-free and lower in calories and sugar than many other hard seltzers on the market. Superbrews offers consumers a unique liquid with unmatched quality.”
Willie’s Superbrew will have two flavors available: the delicious Juicy Tangy Zesty — an award-winning ginger-lemon hard seltzer with a dash of turmeric — and the tropical Juicy Mango Tango — a superfruit hard seltzer brewed with real mango and passionfruit. The company has plans to release additional product lines and seasonal flavors to complement its flagship Superbrews in the coming months.
On the people side of things, Willie’s Superbrew has hired Mark Hegedus as its CEO. Hegedus brings extensive experience in the beverage industry, having previously filled leadership positions at Untitled Art, Founders, Magic Hat, ABI’s Craft Collective and Red Bull.
“I am thrilled to join the Willie’s Superbrew team and to lead this exciting venture,” said Hegedus. “I truly believe that Willie’s Superbrew has what it takes to stand out in the market today and to become an iconic product in the space.”
Willie’s Superbrew will be available in several New England states, with plans for rapid expansion to other east coast markets. For more information about Willie’s Superbrew and its Juicy Tangy Zesty and Juicy Mango Tango beverages, visit www.superbrew.com. Also, follow the journey on Instagram for future updates and happenings at www.instagram.com/drinksuperbrew.
Michigan’s Saugatuck Brewing announces John Miller as its new president and CEO and Brad Mixan as new CFO
Saugatuck Brewing Co. (SBC) recently announced two big hires — John Miller as its new president and CEO and Brad Mixan as new CFO. As President and CEO, Miller is taking the helm of a company that is focused on growth. SBC acquired Kalamazoo, Michigan-based Gonzo’s Biggdogg Brewing in 2019 and followed up with the purchase of Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Creston Brewery in 2021. After the difficult decision to close its Westnedge location in 2022, the brewery fulfilled its plan this year by reopening that brewpub in the former home of Olde Peninsula Brewpub and Restaurant in downtown Kalamazoo. SBC also recently launched two new product lines with the Lake Street Lager and Rainbow Rodeo IPA.
Miller said, “SBC’s focus has always been on the people that work here, the beer we make and the brew pubs we operate,” and he is excited about the opportunity to put his stamp on the vibrant beer market that is West Michigan.
“Being in the beer business as long as I have, you learn quickly that there are a handful of markets in the country that are uniquely passionate about beer, and West Michigan is at the top of that list,” Miller said. “So, this is an amazing opportunity for me to be a part of this. At SBC we believe it is time to invest. I know our best days are ahead, and we are doing what we need to make things happen.”
Miller has amassed 33 years of experience in the beverage industry since his college days. He most recently served as general manager/operating partner at Double Eagle Distributing, where he was recruited to oversee the purchase, integration and operations of an existing beer and non-alcoholic South Florida beverage distributor.
He also spent more than 22 years with Anheuser-Busch, holding various sales and marketing leadership positions mostly in the Midwest and Southeast regions of the country. All the while, he interacted directly with many of the best wholesalers in the industry. A lifelong beer guy, Miller has seen every facet of the beverage industry, from supplier to wholesaler to retail, and believes he can relate to people in the industry, because he has done their jobs before.
In his free time, he loves to fly fish, which coincides nicely with SBC’s recent release of Rainbow Rodeo IPA, snow ski and is a die-hard New York Yankees fan. As a father of two sons, Miller, along with his wife Beth, enjoy traveling, spending time on the tennis courts and playing an occasional round of golf. Miller succeeds Ric Gillette, who has been president and CEO of SBC since 2009.
SBC also welcomed aboard Brad Mixan as the brewery’s new CFO. A CPA with more than 20 years of experience, Mixan most recently served as corporate controller for Nexben Inc., where he oversaw more than $17 million in monthly client funding cash flows and assisted the firm’s financial planning and analysis team with $20 million annual budget management and reporting.
“We’re really looking to leverage technology to position the brewery for future growth and success,” said Mixan. “I think it’s going to help us make better decisions. It’s going to allow us to more effectively manage and operate our brewpubs and brewhouse.”
Mixan has lived in Saugatuck for almost seven years with his wife and their two daughters and has been a fan of SBC for many years.
“I’ve been homebrewing for more than 30 years now and in the financial world for almost 25 years, so being able to combine those two passions has been so rewarding,” he said.
Outside of work, he enjoys homebrewing, exploring nature with the family, cheering on the Spartans and enjoying his new favorite, Rainbow Rodeo IPA, at SBC’s Douglas brewpub.
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