Austin Eastciders has hired John Glick as its new president and general manager, the Austin, Texas-based cider-maker announced Thursday.
Glick brings more than 30 years of experience in beverage alcohol, most of which was spent at Anheuser-Busch InBev (A-B), where he worked as VP of business development. In 2011, he transitioned to Craft Brew Alliance, where he held various executive positions, followed by a stint as CEO at Worthy Brewing and head of business development and partnerships at Drinkworks, according to his LinkedIn page. In December, A-B and Keurig Dr Pepper shuttered Drinkworks, a joint venture that offered in-home cocktail makers that used pre-mixed pods, similar to the popular Keurig coffee makers.
The announcement follows the retirement of CEO Brad McKeever. McKeever worked at Austin Eastciders for more than five years, with roles such as VP of sales and president and general manager, before taking over as CEO in May 2021, according to his LinkedIn profile. Before joining the cidery, McKeever spent more than a decade at A-B, and nearly five years at Pabst Brewing Company.
“It’s an exciting time to join an exciting, growing brand like Austin Eastciders, as hard seltzers have hit their high-water mark and the future is pointing towards elevated better-for-you offerings,” Glick said in a press release. “There’s a tremendous amount of growth occurring at Austin Eastciders, with the new Light Cider line, but also with blockbuster seasonals like this summer’s Passionfruit full-flavor cider offering and a new line of seasonal Imperial Ciders launching right around Fourth of July.”
Glick added that in 2022, Eastciders will focus on “on-premises activations, off-premises chain displays, and continuing to build the brand’s presence across Texas and in strategic markets across the country.”
Austin Eastciders was founded in 2013. The cidery’s products are available on- and off-premise in 22 states across the Mid-Atlantic, as well as Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio, the Carolinas, Nashville, New Mexico, Michigan, Arizona, Georgia, New York, and Washington, D.C. The company operates two taprooms in Austin, the second of which includes a restaurant, opened in 2020.
Update March 4, 10:00AM
McKeever announced his decision to retire nearly six months ago and helped the board of directors through the interview process for his replacement to “ensure a strong transition,” a spokesperson told Brewbound via email.
Glick, who now holds “the most senior role” for the company, joined Austin Eastciders March 1st.