Pittsburgh Brewing appoints Brian Walsh as new CEO

Brian Walsh, 58, was appointed chief executive officer of Pittsburgh Brewing Co. by Uni-World Capital, a private equity firm focused on making leveraged buyout and growth equity investments in lower-middle market companies. Walsh assumes the leadership position from board member and interim chief executive officer Rob Matteucci, who served in the role since May.

Walsh brings nearly 30 years of beer industry experience to the position. Most recently, Walsh served as president and chief executive officer of Long Trail Brewing Co. in Bridgewater Corners, Vt., for six years. During his tenure he grew shipment volume by 123 percent, more than doubled revenue during the same period and oversaw the acquisition of Otter Creek Brewing Co., among other accomplishments.

Walsh, who is in the process of moving to Pittsburgh with his wife, has strong ties to Western Pennsylvania from his five years as Northeast Divisional Vice President with Labatt USA, including managing Rolling Rock’s sponsorship as “Official Beer of the Pittsburgh Steelers” during their Super Bowl championship season of 2005- 2006. He also grew his business network in Pittsburgh during his time as Northeast Division Sales Manager for Guinness Import Co.

“Brian has the ideal combination of beer industry experience, local know-how and relationships to lead Pittsburgh Brewing Company to the next level,” said Christopher Fuller, managing partner, Uni-World Capital, New York. “His passion for Pittsburgh Brewing Company mirrors Uni-World Capital’s commitment to Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.”

“Americans today want to support businesses and consume products made in their local area,” said Walsh. “Pittsburgh Brewing Company is poised to benefit from this trend. We have great products, a strong organization, authentic and iconic brands and a growing wholesaler network. I am eager to put my experience to work for what I am confident is one of Pittsburgh’s emerging success stories.”

Walsh began his career with The Seven-Up Co. in St. Louis in 1981. He holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Notre Dame, where he was captain of the varsity hockey team and was elected to the NCAA All-American Hockey Squad.

Pittsburgh Brewing Co. was purchased by Uni-World Capital in April of 2011. Then known as Iron City Brewing Co. (its original name), Uni-World Capital changed the name back to the Pittsburgh Brewing Co. Edwin Lozano was then appointed president and chief executive officer. He stepped down this past May.