Contract brewing outfit Brew Hub has announced two key hires, one to see through the construction and subsequent operation of its St. Louis outpost and the other to serve in an executive leadership role.
Brew Hub has appointed Jim Ottolini, a longtime industry veteran and former Brewmaster at The St. Louis Brewery (best known for the Schlafly line of beers) as its new chief of brewing operations and head brewmaster. In his new role with Brew Hub, Ottolini will head up operations at the company’s St. Louis facility, construction of which is expected to begin this May.
According to a press statement, Ottolini will oversee the design and construction of Brew Hub St. Louis, which will serve as a contract brewing facility for breweries throughout the Midwest and is scheduled to open in 2016.
“Jim Ottolini is one of the most revered and respected brewers in the craft beer industry, and we could not be more excited to have him join the Brew Hub team,” said Schoen. “He’s been a leader who has helped the industry mature and grow market share.”
The company also hired its first CFO in David Winking, a former financial consultant to craft brewers throughout the Midwest who has also held various positions in finance, marketing and media at Anheuser-Busch.
Winking, according to the company, will be “responsible for all finances, budgeting and accounting for the company.”
“Dave brings extensive financial and accounting expertise combined with more than 25 years of beer industry experience, which will help our company evolve and expand to a much higher level,” said Schoen.
Brew Hub, backed by Billionaire Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Companies, first announced plans to spend $100 million on building five contract facilities throughout the U.S. in early 2013. The company opened its first facility, a 50,000 sq. ft. brewery in Lakewood, Fla. with capacity to brew 75,000 barrels, this past September.
In addition to producing its own house brands, Brew Hub has existing partnerships with Cigar City Brewing, Green Man Brewing, GolfBeer Brewing, Orange Blossom Pilsner, and BJ’s Restaurants.