USA: Boston Beer founder Jim Koch returns as CEO

The Boston Beer Company announced on August 1 a leadership change effective August 15, 2025. Michael Spillane has decided to step down as CEO to focus on important personal matters. He will remain on the company’s board of directors, on which he has served since 2014, now in the capacity of a non-executive director.

Jim Koch, Boston Beer founder, brewer and chairman of the board, will assume the role of CEO. Koch was previously CEO of Boston Beer from its founding in 1984 until January 2001 and has remained chairman since 1984.

“Michael has been with Boston Beer for nearly 10 years, first as a board member and most recently as CEO for the past year and a half,” said Koch. “He’s given us a steady leadership hand during a dynamic time for our industry, and under his guidance, we delivered one of our most profitable quarters in many years in the second quarter. I appreciate everything Michael has done for us, and we're thrilled he’s going to continue to help shape our strategy as a member of our board of directors. I am confident in the strength of our management team and Boston Beer’s strategic direction and remain committed to delivering long-term value for shareholders.”

“After careful reflection, I’ve decided to take a step back to focus on some important personal matters,” said Spillane. “Since joining Boston Beer, I’ve seen the company revolutionize the craft beer and flavored malt beverage categories. It’s an amazing company with a great future and I look forward to contributing to its success from my seat on the board. I’d like to thank Jim, the board, the executive team, and all of Boston Beer’s coworkers for their friendship and support.”

The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE: SAM) began in 1984 brewing Samuel Adams beer and has since grown to become one of the largest and most respected craft brewers in the United States. Boston Beer Company has pioneered not only craft beer but also hard cider, hard seltzer, and hard tea. Its core brands include household names like Angry Orchard Hard Cider, Dogfish Head, Samuel Adams, Sun Cruiser, Truly Hard Seltzer and Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea.