The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. said Monday that Dick Leinenkugel will retire as president at the end of 2022 and will be succeeded by his nephew and sixth-generation Leinenkugel, Tony Bugher.
Dick Leinenkugel was named president of Leinenkugel’s in 2014. He is the the great-great grandson of company founder Jacob Leinenkugel.
Founded in Chippewa Falls in 1867, Leinenkugel’s is the nation’s seventh-oldest operating brewery. Leinenkugel’s brands are part of Tenth and Blake which is the Molson Coors U.S. craft beer division. Leinenkugel’s products are currently sold in all 50 states.
In addition to its Chippewa Falls brewery, Leinenkugel’s also operates a brewery in Milwaukee.
“Dick has been the primary ambassador for Leinenkugel’s and an exemplary leader who is beloved throughout the beer industry,” according to a statement from the brewer announcing the succession plan.
Dick Leinenkugel also served 18 months as Wisconsin’s Secretary of Commerce, from late 2008 to early 2010. He also briefly considered running for U.S. Senate.
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“From distributors to consumers, just about everyone familiar with the Leinenkugel’s brand also knows, respects and admires Dick Leinenkugel,” said Gavin Hattersley, Molson Coors CEO. “He’s had a legendary career and will leave an unforgettable legacy.”
Dick Leinenkugel is the seventh president of the brewery in its 155-year history and “has presided over several successful ventures for the brand. Most recently, he led the resurgence of Summer Shandy that resulted in a return to growth, as well as the development of a number of innovations, including Lemon Haze IPA, Chocolate Dunkel and Juicy Peach,” according to the company statement.
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“During Dick’s tenure, the Leinie Lodge continued to grow, welcoming over 125,000 visitors each year, and the brewery installed a pilot brewing system which will enable even greater innovation for the Leinenkugel’s beverage portfolio,” according to the statement.
“Working with the Molson and Coors families has been a blessing, especially when it comes to understanding the value of heritage in a business,” Dick Leinenkugel said in the statement.
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Bugher has held a variety of roles at Molson Coors including craft and import manager, field marketing manager, and senior distributor sales executive.
Bugher currently serves as Leinenkugel’s associate marketing manager, where he leads sales and distributor engagement, branded partnerships, and oversees the new pilot brewery.
Contact Joe Taschler at (414) 224-2554 or jtaschler@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JoeTaschler or Facebook at facebook.com/joe.taschler.1.