Boston Beer names former head of Peet’s Coffee its new president, CEO

The Boston Beer Co. has found its to successor to Martin Roper, naming Dave Burwick its new president and chief executive officer. The company expects Burwick to assume the role during the second quarter. Jim Koch will continue in his role as company founder and chairman.

Meet Burwick

Burwick has served on Boston Beer’s Board of Directors since 2005. In late 2012, Burwick was named President and CEO of Peet’s Coffee. Under Burwick’s leadership, Peet’s has more than doubled its sales and profits over the past five years. Prior to joining Peet’s, Burwick served as president of North America for Weight Watchers and in numerous leadership roles over 20 years at PepsiCo, including CMO of Pepsi-Cola North America.

“The search committee unanimously agreed that Dave Burwick has the business experience and skills to lead the company forward and will be a great culture fit, appreciating how unique and special Boston Beer is as an organization,” said Jim Koch. “We took our time to find the right person with the right intangibles — character, insights, personality and leadership skills.”

“I’m thrilled to join the Boston Beer team and continue the mission of brewing great beers and winning in the beer and cider categories,” said Dave Burwick. “As a director for over 12 years, I have admired the accomplishments of Jim, Martin and the team, and I share their passion for brewing quality, and their commitment to drinkers, wholesalers and retailers that is demonstrated in everything the company does. I look forward to leading the team and believe the future is bright for Samuel Adams and all our other brands.”

Burwick’s appointment follows Martin Roper’s February 2017 announcement that he planned to step down in 2018 after leading the company for more than 17 years as president and CEO to explore other opportunities. Under Roper’s leadership, the company quadrupled, growing from scrappy up-and-comer to the most successful leader of the craft beer revolution and a leading player in the hard cider and high-end beer categories. It is anticipated that Roper will resign as president and CEO and as a director when Burwick joins the company.