Brewing, Cideries & Spirits  December 17, 2024

Brewers Association promotes Watson to CEO

BOULDER — Bart Watson, a long-time Brewers Association leader who was most recently the Boulder-based craft beer trade group’s vice president of strategy and membership, has been promoted to president and CEO.

He will take over BA’s top job from Bob Pease, who is retiring in early January.

“Bart’s in-depth understanding of the craft beer industry and landscape and his decade-plus of experience within the Brewers Association makes him uniquely poised to step into the president and CEO role on day one with a strategic vision and plan,” BA board chairwoman Leah Cheston said in a prepared statement.  “The board of directors is excited for the next chapter and looks forward to working with Bart to chart the path forward for our members and our industry.”

BA’s board selected Watson, who was the group’s senior economist before his elevation to vice president, after a nationwide executive search led by Kittleman & Associates.

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“I am honored to be chosen to lead the Brewers Association, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by the leaders before me,” Watson said in a statement. “Craft has been going through a difficult period and I am committed to finding ways to help our members navigate those challenges. Our members are incredibly innovative and adaptable entrepreneurs, and I’m ready to work with them and for them to support their businesses and bring excitement back to the category.”

Bart Watson, a long-time Brewers Association leader who was most recently the Boulder-based craft beer trade group’s vice president of strategy and membership, has been promoted to president and CEO.

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