Pabst Brewing Company has appointed Greig DeBow as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 11, replacing Paul Chibe, who held the position since 2021. DeBow previously served as Executive Vice President, National Accounts at Pabst from 2015 to 2019 and returns with over 25 years of experience in the beverage and consumer-packaged goods sectors. Most recently, he was Chief Commercial and Operating Officer at 1st Phorm International, where he oversaw sales, marketing, distribution, category insights, and operations, doubling the retail commercial business. His career also includes senior roles at Zevia, Jack Link’s, Danone, PepsiCo, Red Bull North America, and Standard Beverage Corporation.
Eugene Kashper, Chairman of the Board, praised DeBow’s leadership skills and deep knowledge of Pabst’s brands and culture, emphasizing a renewed focus on brand power, innovation, and growth. DeBow expressed enthusiasm about returning, citing Pabst’s “truly special brands” and the opportunity to forge stronger consumer connections.
The company also announced Michael Levitt, a Pabst board member and partner in parent company Blue Ribbon Partners, as interim Chief Financial Officer, replacing Tim Tulfur. Levitt has over 30 years of experience in corporate finance and asset management. A search for a permanent CFO will begin shortly. Kashper thanked Chibe and Tulfur for steering Pabst through a challenging market environment and laying groundwork for the future.
Founded in 1844, Pabst is one of North America’s largest privately held beer and beverage companies, with a portfolio that includes Pabst Blue Ribbon, Pabst Light, Lone Star, Rainier, Old Style, Stag, Stroh’s, and Old Milwaukee. In January 2025, the company signed a contract brewing agreement with AB InBev to produce its Lone Star brand at AB InBev’s Houston brewery. The executive changes come amid broader beer industry headwinds, including shifting consumer preferences toward THC-infused beverages, the impact of weight-loss drugs on alcohol demand, and reduced spending by key demographic groups.
