The Beer Institute (BI) has hired Andrew Heritage as its new chief economist, filling the data head vacancy left by Danelle Kosmal.
Kosmal announced her plans to depart her role as BI VP of research in July after nearly two years with the trade association. Kosmal and her family are moving to Japan in December for a two- to three-year stay. However, she will remain a part of the industry as a consultant for 3 Tier Beverages, a Chicago-based beverage-alcohol consulting and data firm.
Heritage previously worked as the senior economist at the Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA), a national non-profit organization representing multi-sector manufacturers, workers, farmers and ranchers in the U.S. Prior to CPA, Heritage was the lead economist at Thumbtack, a home services website, and a senior policy analyst at the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), according to a press release.
“I’m excited to bring together my love for beer and economics as I lead the Beer Institute’s research efforts and help tell the story of this wonderful beverage,” Heritage said in the release. “Beer’s economic impact is substantial and touches the lives of Americans from every corner of the country. I look forward to using the tools at my disposal to grow the beer category and to help advocate for America’s brewers, beer importers and industry suppliers.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Andrew to our staff and know his research expertise will be invaluable in telling the story of our dynamic $409 billion beer industry,” BI president and CEO Brian Crawford said in the release. “Andrew’s deep and relevant experience will be instrumental in allowing the Beer Institute to continue to provide best-in-class insights and consumer trends for our members and drive results for the beer industry.”
Heritage’s first day with the BI is today (November 6), Crawford shared in an email to members.