Five months after the departure of Jim McGreevy, the Beer Institute (BI) has named its next president and CEO.
The trade group today announced the appointment of Brian Crawford, the executive vice president of government affairs for the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), as its next leader during the organization’s annual meeting in Chicago. Crawford will assume the role on December 5.
“I am incredibly honored to join the Beer Institute team and become part of the vibrant American beer industry,” Crawford said in a press release. “It is clear that the beer industry is strongest when we work together to strengthen and grow the beer category for brewers and suppliers, consumers and communities alike. I look forward to starting and working every day to promote the more than two million hardworking Americans whose jobs rely on beer.”
Crawford joins the BI as beer continues to lose share of total beverage alcohol to spirits. In recent years, the BI has attempted to beat back efforts by spirits producers to achieve tax equalization and expand market access in states, as well as ongoing aluminum tariffs and other supply chain issues. Meanwhile, spirits-based, ready-to-drink canned cocktails have grown in popularity over the last couple of years.
“The beer industry has seen significant category growth and with Brian’s leadership, we will be able to accelerate that momentum with leaders in Washington and help ensure beer companies are positioned to best serve our customers, consumers and communities,” Brendan Whitworth, Anheuser-Busch CEO and chairman of the BI, said in a release. “Brian brings deep experience across government and public affairs, as well as a strong foundation driving policy outcomes, making him uniquely qualified for this important role.”
“The past two years have been pivotal to the future of our industry, and selecting a new chief executive of the Beer Institute has been particularly important as we look to the road ahead,” added Gavin Hattersley, Molson Coors Beverage Company CEO and vice chairman of the BI. “Whether that means challenging aluminum tariffs or advocating fair tax rates for beer, I have no doubt that Brian has the experience, passion and integrity necessary to lead us into an exciting next chapter.”
Crawford assumes the role from Jim McGreevy, who departed the organization that he had led since 2014 to join the Coca-Cola Company’s North America Political Action Committees (PACS), as VP of public policy, federal government relations and political engagement (PPGR).
During his tenure with the BI, McGreevy helped the industry achieve now-permanent federal excise tax relief via the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act in 2020.
Crawford, who joined AHLA in February 2014, has led the organization’s efforts in Washington, D.C., as well as led the “lodging industry’s largest political action committee, HotelPAC,” according to a bio. Crawford was named to The Hill’s list of top lobbyists in 2021.
Prior to joining AHLA, Crawford worked for more than eight years as a senior staffer in the House of Representatives, including five as chief of staff for former U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (R-FL), deputy chief of staff for former U.S. Rep. Ric Keller (R-FL).
Crawford also worked with trade group the Associated Builders and Contractors for six years, including more than three as senior director of legislative affairs. He also spent nearly two years at the National Small Business Association as a manager of government affairs.