Former New Belgium Brewing CEO Christine Perich, who had been leading World Waters, maker of the high pressure processed juice brand WTRMLN WTR, has stepped down from her role as CEO of the non-alcoholic beverage company due to personal health reasons.
News of her departure was first reported on Wednesday by Brewbound’s sister publication BevNET.
“This has been an incredibly difficult personal decision, as I am so fully invested in the mission and values of WTRMLN WTR,” Perich wrote to Brewbound via email.
Perich’s last day with the New York and Denver-based organization will be October 18. She will continue to advise the company through the fall, and WTRMLN WTR co-founder Jody Levy will step in as interim CEO, effective immediately.
“We wish Christine a full and speedy recovery, and look forward to her continued support ongoing”, Levy wrote in an email to BevNET. “In the meantime, I am working closely with WTRMLN WTR’s amazing senior leadership team, board of directors, and our dedicated employees to advance our shared promise to deliver clean functional hydration that improves the well-being of people and our planet.”
Perich, who had held various executive positions during a 16-year career at New Belgium, served as the CEO of the Colorado-headquartered brewery for one year before exiting last October. She joined WTRMLN WTR in January.
Speaking to Brewbound on Thursday, Perich reflected on her brief stint in the non-alcoholic industry, praising the WTRMLN WTR company culture and its mission of using “discarded melons” to create a sustainable product that also helps farmers “turn a loss into a profit.”
“It was a great experience, and I am very appreciative of the time I had there,” she said, noting that similarities between New Belgium and World Waters are what attracted her to the position.
Perich wouldn’t share any additional details regarding the timing of her departure, or her future in the beverage segment, saying only that she needed time to focus on her health before assessing future opportunities.
“I will be spending the next several months focused on my health, but I look forward to returning to full strength soon,” she said.