Boston Beer Company Announces CEO Transition

Rhea-AI Summary

Boston Beer Company (NYSE: SAM) announced a significant leadership transition as CEO Michael Spillane will step down effective August 15, 2025, to focus on personal matters. Company founder and chairman Jim Koch will assume the CEO role, returning to a position he previously held from 1984 to 2001.

Spillane, who served as CEO for the past 18 months and has been a board member since 2014, will remain on the company's board as a non-executive director. Under his leadership, the company achieved one of its most profitable quarters in Q2 2025. Koch expressed confidence in the company's management team and strategic direction, emphasizing their commitment to delivering long-term shareholder value.

Positive

• Strong Q2 2025 performance with one of the most profitable quarters in company history
• Continuity in leadership with founder Jim Koch returning as CEO
• Retention of Michael Spillane's expertise through continued board membership

Negative

• Unexpected CEO departure after only 18 months in the role
• Potential disruption in strategic initiatives due to leadership change

Founder, Brewer and Chairman of the Board Jim Koch to assume CEO role; Michael Spillane to remain on board of directors

Boston, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Boston Beer Company (NYSE: SAM) today announced a leadership change effective August 15, 2025. Michael Spillane has decided to step down as CEO to focus on important personal matters. He will remain on the company’s board of directors, on which he has served since 2014, now in the capacity of a non-executive director.

Jim Koch, Boston Beer founder, brewer and chairman of the board, will assume the role of CEO. Koch was previously CEO of Boston Beer from its founding in 1984 until January 2001 and has remained chairman since 1984. 

“Michael has been with Boston Beer for nearly 10 years, first as a board member and most recently as CEO for the past year and a half,” said Koch. “He’s given us a steady leadership hand during a dynamic time for our industry, and under his guidance, we delivered one of our most profitable quarters in many years in the second quarter. I appreciate everything Michael has done for us, and we're thrilled he’s going to continue to help shape our strategy as a member of our board of directors. I am confident in the strength of our management team and Boston Beer’s strategic direction and remain committed to delivering long-term value for shareholders.”

“After careful reflection, I’ve decided to take a step back to focus on some important personal matters,” said Spillane. “Since joining Boston Beer, I’ve seen the company revolutionize the craft beer and flavored malt beverage categories. It’s an amazing company with a great future and I look forward to contributing to its success from my seat on the board. I’d like to thank Jim, the board, the executive team, and all of Boston Beer’s coworkers for their friendship and support.”

About the Company

The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE: SAM) began in 1984 brewing Samuel Adams beer and has since grown to become one of the largest and most respected craft brewers in the United States. We consistently offer the highest-quality products to our drinkers, and we apply what we’ve learned from making great-tasting craft beer to making great-tasting and innovative “beyond beer” products. Boston Beer Company has pioneered not only craft beer but also hard cider, hard seltzer, and hard tea. Our core brands include household names like Angry Orchard Hard Cider, Dogfish Head, Samuel Adams, Sun Cruiser, Truly Hard Seltzer and Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea. We have taprooms and hospitality locations in California, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio. For more information, please visit our website at www.bostonbeer.com, which includes links to our respective brand websites.

Attachments

• Jim Koch
• Michael Spillane

Dave DeCecco
Boston Beer Company
dave.dececco@bostonbeer.com

FAQ

Why is Boston Beer (NYSE: SAM) CEO Michael Spillane stepping down?

Michael Spillane is stepping down as CEO effective August 15, 2025, to focus on important personal matters. He will remain on the company's board as a non-executive director.

Who will be the new CEO of Boston Beer Company (SAM)?

Jim Koch, the company's founder and chairman, will assume the CEO role. Koch previously served as CEO from 1984 to 2001.

How long was Michael Spillane CEO of Boston Beer?

Michael Spillane served as CEO for approximately 18 months and has been a board member since 2014.

How did Boston Beer perform under Michael Spillane's leadership?

Under Spillane's leadership, Boston Beer achieved one of its most profitable quarters in many years during Q2 2025.

What is Jim Koch's history with Boston Beer Company?

Jim Koch is the founder and chairman of Boston Beer Company since 1984, previously serving as CEO from 1984 to 2001.