THE GIST
Yesterday, via press release, Duvel Moortgat USA revealed Brewery Ommegang’s new president. Doug Campbell will join the Cooperstown, NY brewery from August 1st 2016. Campell arrives at Ommegang following a 12 year stint at Diageo, where he headed up Diageo-Guinness’ US portfolio, before taking on the role as Brand Director for Ketel One Vodka. At Ommegang he will oversee day-to-day operations of the brewery, while simultaneously developing new marketing initiatives.
WHY IT MATTERS
This is the second time in as many weeks a brewery has announced the installation of a senior executive from the big beverage industry, following our story of former Hennesey exec, Jon Potter joining Boston Beer Co. last week.
This is further evidence of the steps more established breweries are taking in order to secure not only their place in the market, but their continued growth. Duvel’s influence on their American portfolio of brands, which includes Ommegang, Boulevard and Firestone Walker, has so far been incredibly sympathetic. This hiring decision is a demonstration of how Duvel Moortgat is taking a more hands on approach to driving its American portfolio forward.
Are we now to see a spate of senior drinks executives move into the craft beer sector as the market becomes ever more mature? And is this a sign that Duvel Moortgat is to take a greater level of control over a portfolio where it originally seemed to be relatively hands off?
— Matthew Curtis
READ MORE
DUVEL MOORTGAT USA ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP FOR BREWERY OMMEGANG – Via Brewpublic