GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. — MicroStar Logistics, a leading provider of keg management services to the U.S. craft beer industry, announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Michael Hranicka as its new President and Chief Executive Officer.
Michael was previously President, Metal Beverage Packaging, Americas at Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL), a supplier of metal packaging products to the beverage, food, personal care and household products industries in the U.S. and internationally. Michael will be taking over for Alex Ware, who stepped in as interim CEO after Lauri Honea resigned as CEO in July 2013 due to health reasons. Alex will resume his post as Executive Chairman of the Company and Board representative of the Pohlad Companies as he continues to play an active role at MicroStar. Lauri, who served as CEO from 2007 through July 2013, also continues to be involved as an active consultant, Board member and shareholder.
“I am delighted to join MicroStar” Michael said. “The company is the clear leader in the craft keg management sector and I look forward to building upon the company’s excellent reputation and strong customer base. In addition to continuing to deliver exceptional quality and service, we will also focus on expanding MicroStar’s value-added services to our brewers. This opportunity not only allows me to build upon my personal relationships in the beer industry, it also brings me closer to the craft brewing community and their products, for which I have a strong passion.”
Michael joined Ball Corporation in 2005 as Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Ball’s metal food packaging business, and also served as Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Ball’s expanded metal food and household packaging products division. Michael also served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Metal Beverage Packaging, North America until being appointed President in 2010. The Metal Beverage Packaging Division serves the soda and beer industries. Prior to Ball Corporation, Michael held several management-level sales and marketing positions at Pactiv Corporation.
“We are excited that Michael will be joining us to lead MicroStar through its next phase of growth,” Alex said. “Michael’s leadership, strategic vision and depth of experience in the beverage industry and supply chain management will be a great asset to MicroStar.”
In late 2012, MicroStar was acquired by majority owner Freeman Spogli & Co., the Pohlad amily of Minneapolis and members of the MicroStar management team.
About MicroStar
Founded in 1996, MicroStar Logistics, based in Greenwood Village, Colo., is the market-leading provider of keg management and logistics services to the U.S. craft beer industry. The company manages a pool of more than 1.6 million kegs and the corresponding logistical needs for approximately 200 craft brewery customers. The company provides a cost-effective outsourced solution that enables its customers to preserve capital and focus on core competencies such as production and marketing. MicroStar also manages more than 60,000 intermediate bulk containers on behalf of industrial customers. For additional information, visit www.microstarkegs.com.
About Freeman Spogli & Co.
Freeman Spogli & Co. is a private equity firm dedicated exclusively to investing in and partnering with management in consumer-related and distribution companies in the United States. Since its founding in 1983, Freeman Spogli has invested over $3 billion in 49 portfolio companies with an aggregate transaction value of over $18 billion and is currently investing out of its sixth institutional fund. Freeman Spogli has offices in Los Angeles and New York. For additional information, visit www.freemanspogli.com.
About the Pohlad Companies
Founded by legendary entrepreneur Carl R. Pohlad in the 1950s, the Pohlad Companies are built on a strong foundation of business knowledge and entrepreneurial success across a variety of industries, including beverage production and distribution, automotive, retail, banking, financial services, commercial real estate, entertainment and technology, as well as ownership of Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins. Managed now by the second generation of the Pohlad family, the 31 operating companies in the family portfolio remain united through common ownership, shared values and a commitment to customers and employees. For additional information, visit www.pohladcompanies.com.