MillerCoors Chief Executive Takes Helm as Beer Institute Chairman

For Immediate Release – July 23, 2012

Contact: Zach Lowe for the Beer Institute – (202) 777-3529

MillerCoors Chief Executive Takes Helm as Beer Institute Chairman

Anheuser-Busch President named Vice Chair; CBA Operations Chief Joins Ex-Officio Board

WASHINGTON – The Beer Institute Board of Directors voted today to name Tom Long, CEO of MillerCoors, as Chairman of the Board of the Washington, DC-based trade association for brewers and importers. The vote was cast as members of the Beer Institute gathered in New York City for the organization’s annual meeting.

“It’s an honor to serve our industry as Chairman of the Beer Institute,” Long said. “Our great industry continues to face significant challenges, from a sluggish economy, to a shifting regulatory structure, to aggressive competition within the marketplace. As Chairman, I intend to work with all brewers and importers to put the Beer Institute on the best footing possible and meet these challenges head-on. Through the Beer Institute, we can speak with one voice for our industry to make the case with policymakers and the public that beer is the right choice.”

Additionally, the Board voted to name Luiz Edmond, President, North America for Anheuser-Busch InBev, as Vice Chair.

“I look forward to this opportunity to help strengthen our industry and to highlight the many attributes of beer,” said Edmond. “With a competitive and changing marketplace, it’s critical that we enhance beer’s image and reinforce its cultural and economic significance in the U.S. The Beer Institute gives us the ability to share our ideas, work collaboratively and ensure that our positions are heard. As Vice Chair, I am committed to moving our goals for the beer industry forward.”

Joe McClain, president of the Beer Institute, welcomed the new board. “The Beer Institute’s Board of Directors has the depth of leadership that well serves all brewers and importers. I’m looking forward to working with our leaders to help tell the story that beer is the right choice,” McClain said.

McClain also announced that the Beer Institute welcomed Andy Thomas, President of Commercial Operations for Craft Brew Alliance (CBA), as a member of its Ex-Officio Board. Formerly President of HEINEKEN USA, Thomas has served in his role at CBA since 2011.

“The work of the Beer Institute is invaluable to the vibrancy and advancement of the beer industry. I’m looking forward to serving as an Ex-Officio board member and am proud to represent Craft Brew Alliance as a voice for brewing pioneers in our united effort to advocate for beer,” Thomas said.

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The Beer Institute, established in 1986, is the national trade association for the brewing industry, representing both large and small brewers, as well as importers and industry suppliers. The Institute is committed to the development of sound public policy and to the values of civic duty and personal responsibility: www.BeerInstitute.org.