USA: Boston Beer names Dave Burwick to succeed Martin Roper as President and CEO

After a year-long search the sixth largest brewing company in the US by volume, The Boston Beer Company, today announced that it has selected Dave Burwick to succeed Martin Roper as President and Chief Executive Officer.  It is expected Burwick will assume the role during the second quarter.  Jim Koch, co-founder and chairman of the Boston Beer Companywill continue in his role.

Burwick, who holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, has a long record in the food and beverage industry. Having worked 20 consecutive years in leading positions at PepsiCo, he was appointed President of Weight Watchers North America in 2010. In January 2013 he became President and CEO of Pete’s Coffee & Tea, a role he holds up to date.

Burwick's appointment follows Martin Roper's February 2017 announcement that he planned to step down in 2018 after leading the company for more than 17 years as President and CEO to explore other opportunities.  (inside.beer, 3.2.2017). Under Roper's leadership, the company quadrupled, growing from scrappy up-and-comer to the most successful leader of the Craft beer revolution and a leading player in the hard cider and high-end beer categories. It is anticipated that Roper will resign as President and CEO, and as a Director when Burwick joins the company.

"The search committee unanimously agreed that Dave Burwick has the business experience and skills to lead the company forward and will be a great culture fit, appreciating how unique and special Boston Beer is as an organization," said Jim Koch. "We took our time to find the right person with the right intangibles - character, insights, personality and leadership skills."

"I'm thrilled to join the Boston Beer team and continue the mission of brewing great beers and winning in the beer and cider categories," said Dave Burwick. "As a Director for over 12 years, I have admired the accomplishments of Jim, Martin and the team, and I share their passion for brewing quality, and their commitment to drinkers, wholesalers and retailers that is demonstrated in everything the company does. I look forward to leading the team and believe the future is bright for Samuel Adams and all our other brands."

ABOUT THE BOSTON BEER COMPANY

The Boston Beer Company, Inc. began in 1984 as a contract brewer and today brews more than 60 styles of Samuel Adams beer. It operates brewing sites in Boston, Massachusetts, Cincinnati, Ohio  (former Hudepohl-Schoenling Brewery) and Breinigsville (former F. & M. Schaefer Brewing Company), Los Angeles, California, (Angel City Brewery); Miami, Florida (Concrete Beach Brewery), and Brooklyn, New York (Coney Island Brewery).

The company’s portfolio of brands also includes Angry Orchard Hard Cider, Twisted Tea, Truly Spiked & Sparkling, as well as several other craft beer brands brewed by A&S Brewing, Boston Beer Co's craft beer incubator.

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