Dogfish Head Craft Brewery named its new president and COO, George Pastrana, last week. Pastrana comes to Dogfish by way of ACH Food Companies where he spent six years as chief marketing officer and vice president of marketing and innovation.
“George has impressed us every step of the way with his integrity, people-first, products-second leadership philosophy, sound experience at high level strategic planning and his recognition that innovation and brand distinction are at the heart of every successful entrepreneurial company’s raison d’etre,” said Sam Calagione, founder and CEO of Dogfish Head. “These very same priorities have driven me and my co-workers since we opened Dogfish Head as the smallest commercial brewery in the country in 1995. We have come a long way, and we are very excited George is now joining us on our journey, as the leader of Dogfish Head’s leaders.”
He holds an MBA in Marketing from Cornell University — Johnson Graduate School of Management — and is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he studied Biomedical Engineering. Pastrana brings a passion for growing teams, building brands, nurturing culture and delivering results.
“I’m a person who loves the potential of brands and the energy they inspire,” Pastrana shared. “Dogfish is innovative and entrepreneurial, and I am looking forward to this opportunity. Plus, I am a foodie at heart and Dogfish is a food lovers beer.”
Pastrana relocated from Illinois to coastal Delaware to join the Dogfish family and his position as president/COO is effective immediately. Pastrana will be reporting directly to Dogfish Head CEO and co-founder Sam Calagione; Mariah Calagione maintains her position as executive VP and co-founder.
