Sapporo-Stone Brewing has appointed Zach Keeling to the role of Chief Executive Officer of the 12th largest brewery in the U.S.* Keeling has served as Interim CEO for Sapporo-Stone since January 2024.
In his previous roles with the company as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Strategy, Keeling played a key role in developing Sapporo-Stone’s integrated long-term strategic plans. His leadership style, financial acumen and commercial lens have and will continue to drive the business forward. Keeling has a degree in Accounting from Miami University (OH) and an M.B.A from Harvard University.
“Sapporo-Stone is on an impressive trajectory, and I’m honored to lead this talented team toward becoming a top 10 brewery by volume in the U.S.,” expressed Keeling. “I’m committed to driving our growth while prioritizing people and culture.”
Sapporo-Stone Brewing employs 850 people. It operates breweries in Escondido, CA and Richmond, VA plus two Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens and five Stone Brewing Tap Rooms. Sapporo-Stone’s craft-meets-import portfolio has demonstrated growth over the last year. Sapporo is the number one selling Asian beer brand in the U.S., with sales up +14.6%, outpacing the growth of the Import category, +9.2%.** Most of this growth is attributed to its flagship Sapporo Premium. Stone’s best sellers include the Stone Delicious IPA family of beers, Stone IPA and Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager. These Stone core brands are also growing, up 12.5%***
Keeling’s appointment to CEO comes just after Sapporo-Stone unveiled completion of the first phase of its $60 Million expansion. The expansion will allow for the brewing of all Sapporo beers at its Escondido, CA and Richmond, VA breweries, doubling capacity to about 700,000 barrels a year. The brewing of Sapporo beers at both breweries is now underway and by late summer, all production of Sapporo beers will have moved from Canada and Asia to the U.S.
For more information visit StoneBrewing.com and SapporoBeer.com and follow on socials @StoneBrewing and @sapporobeerusa.
*Rankings compiled by the Brewers Association
** NielsenIQ, Total US xAOC + Convenience, Last 52 Weeks Ending 5/25/24
***NielsenIQ, Total US xAOC + Convenience, Last 52 Weeks Ending 5/25/24
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