Two important female hires: Schlafly names Fran Caradonna new CFO and CAO, Boston Beer appoints Lesya Lysyj as new chief marketing officer

Schlafly Beer hires craft beer vet and cofounder of O’Fallon Brewery

The Saint Louis Brewery, makers of Schlafly Beer, recently announced the appointment of Fran Caradonna as both chief financial officer and chief administrative officer for the largest locally-owned craft brewery in St. Louis. Caradonna has over 25 years of experience in the craft beer industry, most recently serving as the general manager for O’Fallon Brewery. In her new role, she will manage all company-wide financials and accounting for the Saint Louis Brewery as well as oversee daily administrative operations.

In her tenure, Fran Caradonna was cofounder and vice president of The Signature Beer Co., one of Schlafly’s first wholesalers, as well as cofounder and chief executive officer of O’Fallon Brewery. With immense experience in growing beer brands, Caradonna will be a welcomed asset to Schlafly Beer’s executive team.

“We are extremely thrilled to have Fran join the Schlafly Beer family,” said Cofounder and Chairman of the Board Tom Schlafly. “Her acute understanding of the beer business will be an invaluable resource to our team, and we are confident that her guidance will ensure Schlafly Beer’s success for the next 28 years and beyond.”

As new acting CFO and CAO, Caradonna will lead and develop the accounting and human resources departments of Schlafly Beer. She will be responsible for the company’s budget and other financial performance metrics as well as add a strategic vision to the everyday processes of the brewery. Caradonna contributed to the St. Louis area’s craft beer expansion in her previous roles. At the Signature Beer Co., the wholesaler acquired and launched several national craft beers in the St. Louis area. Caradonna built the company for success through raising capital for expansion and management of all financials. In 2000, Caradonna cofounded O’Fallon Brewery with her former husband, Tony, and helped build several award-winning brands over 10 years, with sales and production around 6,400 barrels in 2010.

She explained her excitement to join the Schlafly Beer team. “Schlafly Beer served as a barometer of success for us when we started O’Fallon Brewery so it’s very exciting to join the team here,” said Caradonna. “I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the craft beer legacy that Schlafly continues to build in St. Louis and throughout the region.”

Lesya Lysyj joins Boston Beer with nearly three decades of food and beverage industry marketing experience

The Boston Beer Co., brewers of Samuel Adams beers, recently announced that Lesya Lysyj will be joining the company as its chief marketing officer in April, where she will have primary responsibility for overseeing the company’s planning, development and execution of its brand development, marketing and advertising initiatives. She will lead brand management, innovation digital and social marketing, media, consumer insights and sales support for the full portfolio of the company’s brands.

Lysyj has nearly 30 years of marketing experience in the food and beverage industry. She comes to the company from Welch’s Foods, where she is currently president US (sales and marketing), a position she has held since September 2017. From 2013 to 2015, she served as president North America of Weight Watchers International. She was chief marketing officer for Heineken USA, headquartered in New York City, from 2011 to 2013. Prior to that, she held a number of positions with Kraft Foods from 1990 to 2011, including positions as vice president of marketing, confectionary and executive vice president of marketing at Cadbury.

Dave Burwick, president and CEO of Boston Beer, said, “Lesya’s proven success building brands and leading innovation for several well-known and highly respected brands will make her a great addition to the company’s leadership team. She has the valuable experience we need to ensure our growing portfolio of beer and beyond beer brands and initiatives are well-positioned for growth. We look forward to welcoming her to the team.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the Boston Beer Co. and returning to the beer industry,” said Lysyj. “I have long admired and respected what Jim Koch and his leadership team have accomplished to date building a portfolio of brands and remaining true to brewing the highest quality beer. I look forward to leading the team of exceptional marketing professionals that will develop and execute the company’s marketing strategies.”