Stone Brewing Co. to Search for New CEO

Discussion in 'Beer News' started by Keene, Sep 11, 2015.

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  1. Keene

    Keene Initiate (0) Sep 11, 2009 Washington

    ESCONDIDO, CA (Sept. 11, 2015) – Today, San Diego-based Stone Brewing Co. is pleased to announce that co-founder Greg Koch will be promoted (with the blessing from his business partner, of course) from CEO and transition into a new role as Executive Chairman. The incoming CEO is expected to lead day-to-day operations and initiatives. Ultimately, once this future candidate is selected and the onboarding process is complete, Koch will focus on long-term and higher-level strategic planning for the company.

    Koch has served as CEO for the past 19 years. Since starting the company with President, co-founder & original Brewmaster Steve Wagner in 1996, Stone has become one of the fastest-growing and highest-rated breweries in the world, thanks to dedicated fans and Koch and Wagner’s commitment to brewing amazing craft beer. The ninth largest craft beer company in the United States now employs more than 1,100 employees and operates multiple locations in Southern California, including two Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens restaurants. In July 2014, it was announced that Stone would become the first American craft brewer to independently own and operate a brewery in Europe.

    “This is a natural progression once companies reach our size and complexity,” explains Koch. “I see this as an opportunity to focus on future direction and projects for Stone Brewing. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who can contribute to our executive team and understands our vision for craft beer.”

    Koch will continue working closely to complete the development of Stone Brewing Berlin and oversee the company’s expansion into Richmond, VA. There is no set timeframe or expected hire date for an incoming CEO. The priority is to find an individual with the necessary skill set, passion for Stone and all things craft beer, and one who can support the efforts to provide high-quality craft beer worldwide.

    “The ‘co-founder’ part of my title won’t change...that will never change,” says Koch. “I get to keep that one for life, with all the beer privileges of course!”

    About Stone Brewing Co.
    Founded by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner in 1996, San Diego-based Stone Brewing Co. is the ninth largest craft brewer in the United States. Stone has been listed on the Inc. 500 | 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list 11 times, and has been called the “All-time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate magazine twice. The multifaceted company will be the first American craft brewer to own and operate a brewery in Europe, and is also building a production brewery and destination restaurant in Richmond, Virginia. Brewing at both locations is anticipated to begin in early 2016. Known for its bold, flavorful and largely hop-centric beers, Stone has earned a reputation for brewing outstanding, unique beers while maintaining an unwavering commitment to sustainability, business ethics, philanthropy and the art of brewing. For more information on Stone Brewing Co., please visit stonebrewing.com or the company’s social media sites: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest and The Stone Blog.

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    #1 Keene, Sep 11, 2015
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  2. joecast

    joecast Pooh-Bah (1,694) Jun 30, 2003 Australia
    Pooh-Bah

    Great to see Stone continue to grow and mature! Ill never forget watching Gregs vblogs while the Escondido site was being built. His vision and determination is thier biggest asset!
     
    #2 joecast, Sep 11, 2015
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  3. Hesscabob

    Hesscabob Initiate (0) Mar 16, 2014 Illinois

    To have reached the growth that Stone has since its inception speaks volumes to Koch as well as the other leaders in the company. Definitely a natural progression and it will be interesting to see what happens under new leadership. Stone Arrogant Bastard was my first ever craft brew and will always have a place in my fridge, cheers to whatever happens next!
     
    #3 Hesscabob, Sep 11, 2015
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  4. jakesingleton

    jakesingleton Initiate (0) Nov 2, 2011 Arizona

    Seems like a sweet gig. All the fun, none of the paper work. He's earned it.
     
    #4 jakesingleton, Sep 11, 2015
    GetMeAnIPA, TongoRad, sagescrubber and 2 others like this.
  5. Domingo

    Domingo Grand Pooh-Bah (4,252) Apr 23, 2005 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah

    Very cool. Am still really curious what's in store for Stone Berlin. It probably won't be easy, but it could end up being a huge game changer in that region.
     
    #5 Domingo, Sep 11, 2015
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  6. TheIPAHunter

    TheIPAHunter Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,026) Aug 12, 2007 California
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    He'll always be the face of Stone, regardless of his role. Congrats, and hoping for the same level of success moving forward. Larrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrge.
     
    #6 TheIPAHunter, Sep 11, 2015
    BeerNDoggerel, PatrickCT, ChrisMyhre and 1 other person like this.
  7. ChazMania

    ChazMania Savant (1,040) Jun 13, 2006 California

    Stone is 95% responsible for the 25 pounds I have gained since my first Stone IPA more than 12 years ago. Cheers to Greg and whomever can fill that role!
     
    #7 ChazMania, Sep 11, 2015
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  8. chefkevlar

    chefkevlar Initiate (0) Apr 17, 2010 South Carolina

    Where do I send my resume?
     
    #8 chefkevlar, Sep 11, 2015
    PsilohsaiBiN, fritts211, Thirstygoat and 3 others like this.
  9. Ipaupaweallpa

    Ipaupaweallpa Savant (1,022) Dec 26, 2014 Alabama
    Trader

    Congrats Greg, enjoying a go to now
     
    #9 Ipaupaweallpa, Sep 12, 2015
    BeerNDoggerel likes this.
  10. TongoRad

    TongoRad Grand Pooh-Bah (3,884) Jun 3, 2004 New Jersey
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Best wishes and ongoing success, Greg!
     
    #10 TongoRad, Sep 12, 2015
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  11. sderenne

    sderenne Initiate (0) Jul 20, 2013 California

    Yes it will be interesting to see how Europeans respond to the American brewery. I'm betting it will be huge. I think American craft beer will be similar to how we Americans coveted European beers for so long. I wish Sierra Nevada had been the first to build a brewery there but I feel Stone will be very successful.
     
    #11 sderenne, Sep 12, 2015
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  12. crob3888

    crob3888 Pooh-Bah (1,758) Oct 10, 2010 California
    Pooh-Bah

    Great news for Greg! He's earned it. I eagerly look forward to everything that comes next. I drink more beers from Stone and anticipate their releases more than any other brewery. Onward and upward!
     
    #12 crob3888, Sep 12, 2015
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  13. nlethbridge

    nlethbridge Initiate (0) Jan 21, 2014 Canada (AB)

    Time to polish up my resume. I assume applications are open, yes?
     
    #13 nlethbridge, Sep 12, 2015
  14. Geuzedad

    Geuzedad Initiate (0) Nov 14, 2010 Arizona

    I am available. Give me a call Greg.
     
    #14 Geuzedad, Sep 12, 2015
    fritts211 likes this.
  15. chrisjws

    chrisjws Grand Pooh-Bah (3,302) Dec 3, 2014 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Awesome, looking forward to what comes next. Greg's unapologetic passion for great beer is one of the many reasons I love Stone.
     
    #15 chrisjws, Sep 12, 2015
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  16. UncleJimbo

    UncleJimbo Grand Pooh-Bah (3,771) Sep 11, 2002 Massachusetts
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Sounds like a title change to recognize what Greg has been doing for a while already.
     
    #16 UncleJimbo, Sep 12, 2015
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  17. Thirstygoat

    Thirstygoat Initiate (0) Nov 22, 2012 Illinois
    Trader

    I have a JD, an MS in Economics, gray neck beard and would relocate to San Diego for the right gig.
     
    #17 Thirstygoat, Sep 12, 2015
    fritts211 likes this.
  18. fritts211

    fritts211 Initiate (0) Feb 19, 2011 Tennessee

    Congrats Greg. I look forward to working with you.

    I mean, my biggest qualification is that I have a roughly 50% success rate in posting something mildly amusing on a beer website after I've been drinking, but it's America, right? I think I heard a rich man say once if I work hard enough and daddy has enough money, I can do whatever I want.

    Let's make Stone, and America, great again. Even though they're already great. But, you know, greater. Er.
     
    #18 fritts211, Sep 12, 2015
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  19. fritts211

    fritts211 Initiate (0) Feb 19, 2011 Tennessee

    Stop making us look bad goat.
     
    #19 fritts211, Sep 12, 2015
    Geuzedad likes this.
  20. Chcshammonde

    Chcshammonde Initiate (0) Sep 20, 2014 California

    Huge Kudos to Greg, and Stone!

    Been a fan since my first Arrogant Bastard way back in 2000. Back then, you were a real badass if you could down a bomber yourself. It was considered an extreme beer with high alcohol content. Look where we are now!

    I remember we made a trip to the old brewery back in 2005. It was cool to see the bottling line and we all took home growlers of Oaked AB and drank them in car on the way back down I-5.

    Been my favorite brewery for years now and love drinking all of their great beers. Looking forward to returning to my hometown soon and visiting their new shangri-la.

    Cheers
     
    #20 Chcshammonde, Sep 12, 2015
    StoneBrewing and PaulQuinn like this.
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