ROCHESTER, New York – North American Breweries recently named beer industry veteran Josh Halpern Chief Sales Officer. Halpern, who most recently served as Vice President of the Small Format channel in the US for Anheuser-Busch InBev, has over 17 years of sales experience in consumer products. He will oversee NAB’s sales team and sales operations, working to improve selling capabilities, drive wholesaler relations and strengthen execution among key accounts and the NAB distribution network.
“NAB is an amazing company with its triple-bottom line approach, and brand portfolio,” said Halpern. “I’m looking forward to partnering with our team, wholesalers, and retailers to exceed our goals.”
The appointment follows NAB CEO Adrian Lachowski joining the company last month with a strong commercial background in the beer industry. The two appointments, along with a shift in the NAB business model, provides more focus on the commercial business.
According to NAB CEO Adrian Lachowski, the company is focused on driving commercial performance.
“Josh’s experience and leadership will help us build our sales operations with a focus on topline growth,” said Lachowski. “We’re recruiting top talent all over the world to enhance our operations in the US. Josh is well known in the industry. He has great relationships, and a strong track record. He will provide important leadership that will help us achieve our goals.”
About Josh Halpern
Halpern most recently led the small format channel for AB InBev in the US. Prior to that, he led the on-premise channel and served as global director for off-premise trade marketing. Halpern has also held senior sales roles at Reckitt Benckiser, Just Born, Inc., The Clorox Company and Procter & Gamble Company. He earned his MBA from Babson College and his undergraduate degree from Cornell University. He has served on the boards of the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, the National Restaurant Association Military Foundation, VIBE, the VFW Foundation, and currently sits on the NACS Research Committee.
About North American Breweries
North American Breweries, headquartered in Rochester, New York is among the top 10 brewers in the United States. Following a triple bottom line business strategy, NAB prioritizes people, planet and profits to drive business results, reduce social and environmental footprints and engage stakeholders. NAB’s portfolio includes: The Genesee Brewing Company in Rochester, New York; The Magic Hat Brewing Company in Burlington, VT; Portland Brewing Company in Portland, OR; Pyramid Brewing Company in Seattle, WA; and Seagram’s Escapes. The breweries each have an alehouse focused on delivering a customer experience around the beer. NAB also owns exclusive rights to import and market the Labatt family of brands and the Imperial brand of beer in the U.S. Plans are also underway to build a Labatt USA innovation brewery in Buffalo, New York. Along with its own brands, NAB contract brews beer and other alcoholic beverages on behalf of other companies. For more information, please visit www.nabreweries.com