New Belgium Brewing promotes Christine Perich to CEO

FORT COLLINS — Christine Perich, president and chief operations officer at Fort Collins-based New Belgium Brewing, will take over as chief executive on Oct. 9, the brewery said Monday. Co-founder and current CEO Kim Jordan will transition exclusively into the executive chair of the brewery’s board of directors.

The move will allow Perich to focus on short-term strategy, leading the executive team, industry leadership and running day-to-day operations, the brewery said. Jordan will focus on long-term strategy and vision while working with the board.

The COO role likely will be added to the duties of the brewery’s production director, said New Belgium spokesman Bryan Simpson.

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Perich was hired as New Belgium’s controller in 2000, took on the role of COO in 2008 and most recently has been handling the roles of both COO and president. She was instrumental in transitioning the brewery into 100 percent employee ownership in 2013.

“After spending the past 15 years as a part of the New Belgium team, I am incredibly excited for this opportunity,” said Perich in a media statement. “With Kim’s continued guidance as executive chair and the strength of our management team, I feel very confident in our ability to drive the business forward while honoring all the fundamental elements that have made New Belgium so successful.”

The two have worked together closely over the years and stressed an emphasis on continuity in their newly defined roles.

“New Belgium Brewing has been my life’s work and I plan to continue in a very active role,” Jordan said in the media release. “With Christine’s years of experience as CFO, COO and president, she is abundantly qualified to step into this position, allowing me to focus on long-term strategy and vision. I have complete faith in her ability. We’re excited for this next chapter in our collective history.”

New Belgium Brewing makes Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers.