(Bart Watson / Photo © Brewers Association)

2024 will soon be a memory, and American Craft Beer has been deluged with announcements about all kinds of executive changes in the beer biz, as we look to the upcoming year.

Bart Watson To Lead The Brewers Association In 2025

Boulder, Colo. — The Brewers Association—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers—announced today the appointment of Bart Watson to president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the trade association. As the current vice president of strategy and membership and the former chief economist of the Brewers Association, Bart is a well-known and respected voice in the industry.

In his new position leading the Brewers Association, Watson will address legislative and regulatory issues impacting independent craft breweries and producers, champion their voice in the media and across industries, oversee the development of events and resources to benefit member businesses and support the board’s ongoing development as a strategic governing body.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead the Brewers Association, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by the leaders before me,” said Watson. “Craft has been going through a difficult period and I am committed to finding ways to help our members navigate those challenges. Our members are incredibly innovative and adaptable entrepreneurs, and I’m ready to work with them and for them to support their businesses and bring excitement back to the category.”

California Craft Brewers Association Announces New Executive Director

Sacramento, CA (December 18, 2024) – The California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA), the oldest and largest trade association representing craft breweries in the country, has announced the selection of a new Executive Director Kelsey McQuaid-Craig.

With a master’s in Public Administration, and as a Certified Association Executive, Kelsey McQuaid-Craig will continue the association’s commitment to supporting membership and advocating at the state level on behalf of California craft brewers, while continuing to strengthen the association’s operations.

“As a dedicated association professional who enjoys a good craft beer, I look forward to learning from and engaging with the CCBA Board and members to strengthen the California craft brewing industry,” said McQuaid-Craig.

McQuaid-Craig has already begun her transition into the ED role, working closely with exiting ED Lori Ajax. A collaborative and overlapping transition ensures the CCBA will remain at the forefront of advocating on behalf of its membership, as well as ensuring strategic partnerships with allied organizations will continue.

Paulaner USA Appoints Industry Expert Andy Glaser As New CEO

White Plains, NY [December 17, 2024]

Today, Paulaner, a leading German beer maker with heritage dating back to 1634, announces the appointment of Andy Glaser as Chief Executive Officer of Paulaner USA effective January 1, 2025. He succeeds Steve Hauser, who is leaving the company after 10 successful years.

In his new role, Glaser will tap into his extensive beverage industry experience, focusing on adapting the iconic Paulaner brand within the US market and driving continued growth. He previously held leadership roles at Hennessy, Bass Ale and Champagne Henriot.

Paulaner is one of the most successful German beer makers in the American market. Amongst the oldest breweries in Munich, Paulaner has brought the Bavarian way of life to beer enthusiasts since its founding in 1634. The company began importing beer to the US in 1987 and is now enjoyed in more than seventy countries around the world.

“I’m absolutely delighted to take this exciting next step and return to my roots in the beer business,” says Andy Glaser, Paulaner USA’s new CEO. “While there are some current headwinds in the US market, I’m convinced Paulaner’s outstanding quality and strong brand position will allow us to realize our ambitious long-term vision. I’m looking forward to helping the US team write the next chapter of Paulaner’s success story.”