Sun King Brings on a New Partner
Sun King Brewery president and co-founder Omar Robinson will sell a portion of his stake in the business when he retires next month. Simultaneously, Sun King will also turn over minority interest to incoming president Robert Whitt, who will “buy a portion of Omar’s stock over the next few years,” co-founder Clay Robinson told Brewbound.
Co-owners Dave Colt and Clay Robinson, as well as the company’s investment group, will continue to collectively maintain a majority position in the company.
Whitt, the former executive director of Indianapolis’ White River State Park, will oversee Sun King’s growth and business operations, and manage its human resources, finance, safety and legislation departments.
“Dave and I still get to be the visionaries and be in control of our own destinies,” he said. “Bob will refine our visions and move the ball down the field.”
Omar Robinson will continue to serve on the brewery’s board and eventually control “about 10 percent” of the company following his April retirement, the company said.
The move comes at a time when Sun King, the second-largest beer maker in the state, is looking to expand. The brewery began making plans to increase production after a state law limiting production for self-distributing breweries that also operate taprooms was changed last summer.
Sun King, which can now brew up to 90,000 barrels annually without giving up self-distribution and retail privileges, filled out its statewide distribution footprint earlier this month.
Cascade Brewing Adds VP of Sales
Oregon’s Cascade Brewing, meanwhile, has appointed Tim Larrance as its new vice president of sales and marketing.
Larrance, whose father Art Larrance founded Cascade in 1998 and Portland Brewing Company in 1986, joins the Portland, Oregon-based brewery with more than 23 years of beverage industry experience. He previously held leadership positions with InBev, Labatt USA, and most recently with William Grant & Sons.
According to a press release, “Larrance will be responsible for all sales and marketing functions, including managing and directing the company’s growing wholesaler network across the United States as well as helping continue to build the Cascade Brewing brand across the globe.”