New CFO for Boston Beer Co

The Boston Beer Company has appointed former Kraft finance officer, Frank Smalla, as its new CFO.

Smalla will replace former Diageo-man and current incumbent, Bill Ulrich, when the latter steps down early next year.

Smalla will take up his post at the ‘Sam Adams’ producer on 4 January, leaving his position at Kraft that he has held since 2012.

Martin Roper, Boston Beer’s president & CEO, said: “Frank’s experience in managing the finances of a diverse array of business units for a respected food and beverage company will be a great addition to the company’s leadership team. This is particularly important as our business continues to expand and becomes more complex.”

“I have long admired The Boston Beer Company for its innovation and commitment to brewing quality beers like Samuel Adams,” said Smalla. “I am delighted that I will be part of the team that develops and implements the Company’s strategies to support its current and future growth.”

Ulrich, who joined Boston Beer as CFO in 2003, had previously worked at organic food and beverage company Acirca and Diageo before that. His plans post Boston Beer are not known.