Bob Pease, CEO of the Brewers Association (BA) has announced its retirement after a remarkable 32-year tenure. He is set to step down in early 2025, once his successor is appointed. The board has engaged a recruitment firm to lead the search for the next leader of the Brewers Association.
Pease's journey with the Brewers Association began in 1993 as a customer service manager, and he steadily climbed the ranks, becoming operations director, then vice president in 1999, COO in 2010, and finally CEO in 2014. Under his leadership, Pease turned around the association's finances, transforming it from debt service to holding over $23 million in reserves.
In 2004, Pease launched the association's export development program, which played a crucial role in expanding the global craft beer movement. Since its inception, U.S. craft beer exports have surged from around 16,000 barrels to more than 230,000 barrels, and from $3 million to over $71 million in value.
Pease was also instrumental in creating the House and Senate Small Brewers Caucus in 2007, which has since become one of the largest member caucuses in Congress. He was a key figure in the successful strategy to secure federal excise tax relief for craft brewers through the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA), enacted in 2017 and made permanent in 2020. This effort saved brewers over $80 million annually in taxes, allowing them to reinvest in their businesses.
In 2017, Pease, along with the association’s Public Relations and Marketing Committee and staff, introduced the independent craft brewer seal. Nearly 5,000 breweries have since adopted this mark, helping consumers identify beers made by small and independent craft brewers.
During the pandemic, when many small breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms were hit hard by the economic crisis, Pease and his team worked diligently to ensure the brewing community was included in federal relief programs.
"Bob has been an unwavering champion for small and independent brewers, leaving an enduring legacy," said Leah Cheston, owner of Right Proper Brewing Company and chairperson of the Brewers Association Board of Directors. "He led the organization during a pivotal time, growing craft beer's market share to 13% and providing essential resources to help the community thrive, from professional development to tax relief and world-class events. We are deeply grateful for Bob's steadfast leadership and look forward to working closely with him to ensure a smooth transition as we search for his successor," Cheston added.
Reflecting on his decision, Pease stated, "After much deliberation, I believe the time has come to guide this outstanding association through a leadership transition and to pursue new opportunities myself. Over the past three decades, I’ve seen the Brewers Association evolve from a small, niche organization into a significant force addressing key issues in the industry both domestically and internationally. During my time leading the Brewers Association, we’ve helped our members navigate periods of rapid growth and unprecedented challenges, establishing the BA as a political powerhouse. It has been an absolute honor to represent this iconic community, its brands, and the passionate people behind them. I’m eager to witness continued success in the industry."
