USA: Pabst Brewing Company appoints new CEO

US group Pabst Brewing Company has appointed Greig DeBow as its new CEO, effective 11 August, Yahoo! Finance reported on August 5.

DeBow, who previously worked as the executive vice president of national accounts at Pabst from 2015 to 2019, takes over from Paul Chibe, who has been CEO since 2021.

In a statement, Eugene Kashper, Pabst Brewing�s chairman of the board, said: �Greig�s return reflects our confidence in his leadership and our commitment to building a company that is both innovative and deeply rooted in Pabst culture.

�Under Greig�s leadership, Pabst will be focused on harnessing the power of our brands and our people to drive exciting innovation and growth.�

According to the Pabst Blue Ribbon brewer, DeBow steps into the new role having over 25 years of experience in the drinks and consumer-packaged goods industries.

His most recent role was chief commercial and operating officer at protein powders and supplements maker 1st Phorm International.

Prior to 1st Phorm, DeBow was the chief commercial officer at the soft drinks company Zevia.

His career also includes sales leadership roles at companies such as Jack Link�s, Danone, PepsiCo, Red Bull North America, and Standard Beverage Corporation.

In the same statement, Pabst named Michael Levitt as interim CFO, replacing Tim Tulfur.

Levitt, a Pabst board member and partner in the group's parent company Blue Ribbon Partners, has over 30 years' experience in corporate finance and asset management.

The board of directors plans to initiate a search for a permanent CFO soon, the owner of Pabst Blue Ribbon brand said in a statement.

Kashper added: �Under Paul and Tim�s leadership, Pabst navigated a challenging environment and laid important groundwork for the company�s future. We are thankful for Paul�s and Tim�s dedication and contributions, and we wish them every success in their future endeavours.�

Commenting on his appointment, DeBow said: �I am super excited to have the opportunity to return to Pabst, to the incredible people who work there, and to the truly special brands they represent.

�Pabst is a very special place, and I know that together, as one team, we will be able to realise the opportunities before us, forge meaningful connections with consumers, and take these brands to new heights.�

Founded in 1844 and headquartered in Texas, Pabst is privately held, with a portfolio that also includes brands such as Lone Star, and Rainier.

The company operates both on-trade and off-trade with its flagship brand Pabst Blue Ribbon, available across all 50 US states and internationally.

In January this year, Pabst Brewing struck a contract brewing deal with Anheuser-Busch InBev to produce its Lone Star brand at AB InBev�s brewery in Houston.