MicroStar Logistics, a provider of keg management services to the U.S. craft beer industry, announced the appointment of Michael Hranicka as its new president and chief executive officer.
Hranicka was previously president, metal beverage packaging, Americas at Ball Corp., a supplier of metal packaging products to the beverage, food, personal care and household products industries in the United States and internationally. Hranicka will be taking over for Alex Ware, who stepped in as interim chief executive officer (CEO) after Lauri Honea resigned as CEO in July 2013 due to health reasons. Ware will resume his post as executive chairman of the company and board representative of the Pohlad Companies as he continues to play an active role at MicroStar. Honea, who served as CEO from 2007 through July 2013, also continues to be involved as an active consultant, board member and shareholder.
“I am delighted to join MicroStar,” Hranicka said. “The company is the clear leader in the craft keg management sector and I look forward to building upon the company’s excellent reputation and strong customer base. In addition to continuing to deliver exceptional quality and service, we will also focus on expanding MicroStar’s value-added services to our brewers. This opportunity not only allows me to build upon my personal relationships in the beer industry, it also brings me closer to the craft brewing community and their products, for which I have a strong passion.”
Hranicka joined Ball Corp. in 2005 as vice president of sales and marketing for Ball’s metal food packaging business and also served as SVP of sales and marketing for Ball’s expanded metal food and household packaging products division. He also served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of metal beverage packaging, North America, until being appointed president in 2010. The metal beverage packaging division serves the soda and beer industries. Prior to Ball Corp., Hranicka held several management-level sales and marketing positions at Pactiv Corp.
“We are excited that Michael will be joining us to lead MicroStar through its next phase of growth,” Ware said. “Michael’s leadership, strategic vision and depth of experience in the beverage industry and supply chain management will be a great asset to MicroStar.”
In late 2012, MicroStar was acquired by majority owner Freeman Spogli & Co., the Pohlad family of Minneapolis and members of the MicroStar management team.
