One of the country’s largest craft brewers has lured away a top-level executive talent from the world’s largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev.
Bend, Ore.-based Deschutes Brewery, the fifth largest craft brewery in the U.S., based on 2011 sales figures supplied by the Brewers Association, has hired Kris Scholl as Technical Director, a new position created to oversee brewing, cellaring, packaging, maintenance and quality control. Scholl was previously the Director of Global Brewing and Quality for Asia and Latin America for AB-InBev.
“As we continue to grow geographically and accept greater challenges in experimenting with new beers and styles, it is increasingly important to have someone like Kris on our team,” said Gary Fish, founder and owner of Deschutes Brewery.
The company has been growing steadily since last September, announcing a number of new hires to bolster its sales force. The company also recently launched new distribution in Chicago through Wirtz Beverage Illinois, and is in the midst of expanding its brewing capacity to over 400,000 barrels. Deschutes produces approximately 250,000 barrels of beer annually for distribution in 20 states and two Canadian provinces, according to the company.
Below is Deschutes’ press release with more details on Scholl’s hiring:
BEND, OR. — Deschutes Brewery hired Kris Scholl as the Technical Director, a new position that oversees and guides all functions and activities related to brewing, cellaring, packaging, maintenance and quality control. Scholl comes to Deschutes from Anheuser-Busch InBev, where he was the Director of Global Brewing and Quality for Asia and Latin America.
“As we continue to grow geographically and accept greater challenges in experimenting with new beers and styles, it is increasingly important to have someone like Kris on our team,” said Gary Fish Founder and owner of Deschutes Brewery. “He is passionate about beer and has spent much of his time home brewing, as well as gaining professional technical experience as a brewer. This, combined with his operational management expertise, will give him a unique perspective in driving quality and innovation at Deschutes.”
Kris spent close to 16 years in various positions with Anheuser-Busch InBev where he gained operations expertise, designed process improvement initiatives, led cross-functional teams, planned strategies and managed projects. Kris received his Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri University of Science and Technology in Chemical Engineering, his MBA from Syracuse University and completed the Master Brewers Program at UC Davis. He also holds a brewing diploma from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling in London. He is active on several industry boards and committees. Kris and his wife, Kenesia, have relocated to Bend, Oregon from St. Louis, Missouri.
About Deschutes Brewery
Founded in 1988 as a brew pub in downtown Bend, Oregon, Deschutes Brewery is known for such brands as Black Butte Porter, its flagship brew and the nation’s number one selling craft porter, and the popular Mirror Pond Pale Ale. In addition to its original Bend pub, the brewery opened a second pub in Portland’s Pearl District in 2008. The company’s main brewing facility is located in Bend’s Old Mill District and produces over 250,000 barrels of beer annually for distribution in 20 states and two provinces. To find out more, visit www.DeschutesBrewery.com.