People Moves: Ska Brewing Hires New COO; 4th Generation Takes Over Louis Glunz Beer

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Steve Breezley

Ska Brewing Names New COO

Ska Brewing has hired industry veteran Steve Breezley as the company’s new COO.

“We’ve always admired Breeze’s work, and by that I mean that we’ve consumed copious amounts of the beers he’s been responsible for over the years,” Ska president and CEO Dave Thibodeau said in a press release. “There simply is no better fit for us and the exciting plans we have for the future.”

Breezley comes to Ska after 14 years as a brewer and later COO of Avery Brewing in Boulder, Colo., and most recently as an independent brewing and management consultant. Last October, he was named to the board of directors of Wyoming upstart Melvin Brewing.

Breezley will be based out of Ska’s Durango, Colo., headquarters.

“Breezley has been working with Ska’s management at the brewery for the past three months in a consulting capacity and has already brought a tremendous amount of knowledge and earned respect from all of Ska’s staff,” Thibodeau said in the release. “He cares genuinely about the people involved in what we do. He also cares deeply about the beer and brings with him a wealth of brewing knowledge that will help us remain relevant as we continue to grow as a company.”

Jerry (left) and Jack Glunz
Jerry (left) and Jack Glunz

Louis Glunz Beer Announces Series of Executive Moves

Chicagoland craft and specialty import beer distributor Louis Glunz Beer Inc. is now in the hands of the family-owned business’ fourth generation after longtime president and owner Jack Glunz promoted Jerry Glunz, his son, to president.

“I am honored to be given this opportunity to carry on the winning tradition that we have enjoyed at Louis Glunz Beer Inc.,” Jerry Glunz said in a press release, “and I look forward to introducing a lot of great beers to our friends in the Chicagoland area as well as throughout the country as the exclusive importer of Hirter, Haacht, and Stiegl.”

In 32 years with the company, Jerry Glunz has served in a number of roles, most recently general manager. Previously, he had worked as a merchandiser, sales rep, brand manager and sales manager.

Meanwhile, his father, Jack Glunz, will assume the role as CEO and will remain active in the business, advising and guiding the fourth and fifth generations.

Filling the role of general manager will be Ignacio Gonzales, who previously worked for two decades as vice president and CFO of Heritage Wine Cellars, a Niles, Illinois-headquartered wine and craft spirits distributor and importer.

In a press release, the company credited Gonzales with taking Heritage Wine Cellars “from $6 million in sales and 24 employees to $83 million in sales and 160 employees.”

Louis Glunz Beer is one of the oldest beer distributors in the country and boasts a varied portfolio of craft, import and domestic beers.