The Brewers Association (BA) has restructured its leadership team and eliminated six positions, the trade organization representing small and independent craft breweries announced Thursday afternoon.
The BA cited several reasons for the move, including maximizing “support to our members,” realizing “greater efficiencies,” adapting to “evolving industry dynamics” and setting up the organization for the next CEO, following the retirement of president and CEO Bob Pease in June 2025.
Under the new leadership structure, five roles will report to the CEO as part of the new senior management team:
- VP of events and sales Lacey Gautier;
- VP of operations Dan Goloback;
- VP of marketing and communications Ann Obenchain;
- VP of government affairs Marc Sorini;
- VP of strategy and membership Bart Watson.
Additionally, Dr. J. Jackson-Beckham will serve on the senior management team as member resources director. Jackson-Beckham will report to Watson.
The six positions eliminated amounted to 11% of the BA’s workforce. Those cuts are “effective today,” Pease wrote in an email to BA members.
Senior management team members no longer listed on the BA’s website include:
- Paul Gatza, senior VP of the professional brewing division;
- Stephanie Johnson Martin, senior VP of operations;
- Ryan Farrell, VP of staff development.
Also no longer listed on the BA’s team page are:
- Pete Johnson, state and regulatory affairs manager;
- Jeff Guggenmos, systems administrator;
- Emily Silver, staff accountant.
“We are grateful for the passion and commitment these employees have had to our mission, members, and the industry as a whole, and we did not make these decisions lightly,” Pease wrote. “We are working with all affected individuals to help them navigate this transition, providing severance, healthcare, and career placement services.
“Today’s decision is sad and challenging, but as we evolve the Brewers Association’s team structure, I am dedicated to setting up the association and our incoming CEO for success in 2025. While we are now leaner, our service and commitment to our members and stakeholders is stronger than ever.”
The cuts come as the BA is in the process of searching for Pease’s replacement. In July, he announced plans to retire in mid-2025.
The BA’s overall revenue declined -2% year-over-year, to more than $22.9 million, in 2023, according to the group’s annual report. The organization’s revenue drivers for last year declined almost across the board, including revenue from events, by far its largest income source, which declined -2% YoY, to around $13.9 million. Membership revenue also declined -2%, to more than $4.3 million.
The organization’s operational net was $190,028, a -77% decline from $840,532 in 2022.
Correction (11/25/2024): This post was updated to clarify that five roles will report to the CEO, while Dr. J. Jackson-Beckham will serve on the senior management team but report to Watson.