Bay Area Brewers Guild Appoints Sayre Piotrkowski Executive Director

The Bay Area Brewers Guild has appointed Sayre Piotrkowski as the organization’s new executive director.

Piotrkowski, who started in the role on July 28, takes over from Joanne Marino, who has led the organization for the last 10 years. 

With 18 years in craft beer, Piotrkowski brings experience at every level of the brewing industry, from sales, marketing and event management, to retailing, education and brand management. He has spoken at numerous industry events, and his award-winning writing, video and audio work has appeared in publications both local and national. He was one of the first 100 Certified Cicerones® globally and became an Advanced Cicerone® in 2025. Piotrkowski also possesses an intimate knowledge of the Bay Area brewing scene, its breweries, and the people who run them.

Commenting on his appointment, Piotrkowski said, “I’m incredibly excited to be leading the Bay Area Brewers Guild into its next chapter. Independent beer is an important part of the Bay Area’s cultural landscape, with the sector employing thousands of people and breweries bringing a vibrancy to the neighborhoods, towns, and cities in which they operate. I believe the Guild can be the unifying, reinvigorating force that this moment demands, and I look forward to using my background, relationships, and perspective to ensure the Guild’s continued success.”

“Sayre has been one of the defining voices in the Bay Area craft beer scene in recent years and the Board is thrilled to appoint him to lead the Bay Area Brewers Guild,” said Anthony Raggio, president of the Bay Area Brewers Guild. “The craft beer industry has been through some turbulent times in recent years, and the coming months and years will likely continue to throw up challenges. We believe Sayre’s skills, knowledge, and passion will steer the Guild and its member breweries through these challenges, ensuring that the Bay Area continues to have a thriving craft beer scene.