The Brewers Association, the American trade association representing small and independent craft brewers, announced last week that its CEO, Bob Pease, would retire in early 2025. Pease has served as CEO for ten years, capping a 32-year career with the not-for-profit association. The association’s board has retained an executive search firm specializing in the not-for-profit sector to find Pease’s replacement.
In a telephone interview, Pease reported that he and the board had initiated discussions of his eventual retirement in 2019, when he had served as CEO for five years. The global pandemic that arose in 2020 stalled those discussions, which would resurface only in 2022. In late 2022, a target transition date of June 30, 2025 was set, though Pease reports that he will do what is best for the association—either departing earlier, or remaining longer—as the board requires to ensure a smooth transition.
“The Brewers Association has only had two CEOs,” said Pease in the telephone interview. The prior CEO was Charlie Papazian, who served until Pease took over the role in 2014, when Papazian left the association. “The way Charlie and I worked together was very complimentary. I was strong in execution, operations and government affairs, while Charlie was the visionary.”
“It’s time for a new voice and potentially new ideas,” said Pease.
By the Brewers Association’s own metrics and as reported by Forbes.com, craft beer has been facing challenges over recent years. “Is my successor walking into a difficult situation? Yes,” said Pease. “But I’ve been through downturns before and beer always comes out stronger than ever. My successor will have one of the most fantastic professional opportunities in the world. And working with the strong and talented Brewers Association staff, board and committees, I have no doubt craft beer will rise again.”
Pease was instrumental in strengthening the Brewers Association’s presence in Washington, earning it a seat at the table alongside the Beer Institute and the National Beer Wholesalers Association in influencing tax and public policy to support the nearly 10,000 small brewers across America. “I think it is critical for the new CEO to carry that forward,” said Pease.
Pease also noted that the the association’s Independent Craft Brewer seal, launched in 2017, was important in helping consumers differentiate beer made by small and independent brewers. “These brewers have a substantial impact on the national, state and local economies,” said Pease. “I would like to see the new CEO evolve the messaging so beer drinkers remember why it’s important to support breweries that are small and independent.”
“When I started at the Brewers Association, we were a ragtag group. But we are now 50 full-time employees working in a building we own in downtown Boulder, Colorado,” said Pease. “I’m proud to be leaving the association in excellent financial shape and exiting on my own terms. But I did nothing on my own.”
“I’m forever grateful,” said Pease.