Advertisement. Advertise with us

SIMON THORPE

NEW PABST CEO

Former Ommegang President

To Lead Largest Independent

Simon Thorpe, in a photo that accompanied a profile on his career done by brewbound.com
Simon Thorpe, in a photo that accompanied a profile on his career done by brewbound.com

COOPERSTOWN – Pabst Brewing Company, America’s largest independent brewer, announced today it has named former Brewery Ommegang President Simon Thorpe as chief executive officer, effective tomorrow, Dec. 1.

Eugene Kashper, current Chairman and CEO, will remain full-time chairman of the board and continue to play an active role in the business. There will be a 60-day transition period between Kashper and Thorpe to ensure a smooth handover.

“We are thrilled to have Simon join the Pabst team,” said Eugene. “He is both a true beer industry visionary and a highly respected operator. I have no doubt that Simon’s breadth of experience and proven leadership capabilities will enable us to realize our ambition to become a best-in-class beer supplier and a truly great American brewing company.”

Simon added: “Pabst is an iconic American brewing company that is well positioned to be tremendously successful as the world of beer becomes even more competitive and complex. The company already has a vibrant culture and is filled with exceptionally talented people. The chance to join Eugene and the team at this particular time in the company’s evolution is all that one could wish for. I am truly excited about what we can accomplish together.”

From his post here, Simon was promoted to president/CEO of Duvel Moortgat USA, where he established Duvel Moortgat’s partnerships with Boulevard Brewing Co. in Kansas City, Mo., and Firestone Walker Brewing Co. in Paso Robles, Calif. Simon also led the development of Duvel Moortgat’s import brand portfolio including Duvel, La Chouffe, Liefmans, and Mardesous.

Over a 30-year career Thorpe has also served as head of M&A/Strategy for InBev, president/CEO of Inbev USA and previously held positions with Crayola, Kellogg’s, Tambrands and Unilever.

As a member of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce board of directors, Simon helped the early mobilization of local opposition to fracking exploration in the Glimmerglass valley, a move that turned out to be good business sense as well.  Larry Bennett, the brewery’s spokesman at the time, reported receiving hundreds of praiseful e-mails from Ommegang fans, and only one or two that were critical.

During his tenure, the Town of Middlefield brewery was also elevated as a concert venue for top rising and established talent – the largest and most successful between SPAC and Binghamton, it was said.

 

 

Simon, his wife Kati, whom he met in Cooperstown, and their son Henry will relocate to Los Angeles, where Pabst is headquartered.

 

Posted

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Related Articles

In Memoriam: A. George Eccleston, 71 August 28, 1951 – December 26, 2022

In MemoriamA. George Eccleston, 71August 28, 1951 - December 26, 2022 NEW BERLIN – A. George Eccleston, 71, of New Berlin, NY, passed away Monday December 26, 2022, in Cooperstown, NY, with his family by his side. George was born in Cortland, NY on August 28, 1951, the son of the late Clifford and Dora Watts Eccleston. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters Emily and Kathy and brother Ron.…

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO: 05-29-23

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO for MONDAY, MAY 29 Otsego County Remembers The Fallen ONEONTA MEMORIAL DAY PARADE —10 a.m. Commemorate our country’s fallen soldiers. The day will begin with a parade (line-up at 9 a.m. and step off at 10), to commemorate Chief Warrant Officer 3 Christopher Robert Eramo. A riderless horse will be included as a salute to the fallen, with CWO3 Shawn Hubner, who serves in the deceased’s unit, hand carrying the battalion colors from Fort Wainwright to Oneonta and marching in the honor guard. After the parade will be a ceremony of remembrance at 11 a.m. on the Veterans Memorial…

In Memoriam: Virginia L. Stocking

In Memoriam Virginia L. Stocking December 2, 1922-May 17, 2023 SPRINGFIELD CENTER—Virginia L. Stocking, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on May 17, 2023 at the age of 100.  Virginia was born in Cooperstown on December 2, 1922 to Earl and Catherine Richards. She spent most of her childhood in East Springfield and graduated from Springfield Central School in June of 1940. She married Glenn C. Stocking on April 9, 1944. Virginia and Glenn devoted their lives to each other and to their family.  In addition to spending time with her family, Virginia enjoyed playing the organ,…

Putting the Community Back Into the Newspaper

Now through March 30, new annual subscribers to “The Freeman’s Journal” and AllOtsego.com (or subscribers who have lapsed for two or more years) have an opportunity to help their choice of one of four Otsego County charitable organizations.

$5.00 of your subscription will be donated to the nonprofit of your choice:

Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, Cooperstown Food Pantry, Greater Oneonta Historical Society or Super Heroes Humane Society.