New Belgium Hires Strategic Marketing And Branding Director
Former WhiteWave Foods exec to head branding for nation’s 3rd-largest craft brewer
Fort Collins, CO – New Belgium Brewing announced today that Josh Holmstrom, Associate Director of Marketing at WhiteWave Foods, Inc., has accepted the position of Strategic Marketing and Branding Director for the Fort Collins-based craft brewer. Holmstrom will replace former Branding Director, Greg Owsley, who left New Belgium in June after fourteen years with the company. New Belgium founder and CEO, Kim Jordan, headed the search for Owsley’s replacement.
“There is that moment in the search for such an important member of a management team where you know you’ve found the perfect fit for your organization,” said Jordan. “In our first interview with Josh I had that moment- he’s just that fit and we’re incredibly excited to welcome him aboard!”
Holmstrom has worked with WhiteWave since 2008 on such high profile consumer goods as Silk and Horizon Organic. He has lead branding campaigns in TV, print, digital, and social media as well as in-store events and promotions. Prior to WhiteWave, Holmstrom worked at PepsiCo, Inc. in a variety of consumer marketing and new product innovation positions across Gatorade, Tropicana and Quaker Oats.
“Joining New Belgium is an exciting opportunity for me to help continue to grow one of the premier brands in the craft brewing industry,” said Holmstrom. “I look forward to working with the team to continue to unlock the potential of this brand on a national level.”
In addition to his national brand work, Holmstrom helped launch Cigars Unlimited International, Inc. a start-up that focused on developing premium cigar programs for high-end hotels. He also co-founded Windy City Fencing, a start-up company that teaches the sport of Epee fencing to Chicago youth. Holmstrom holds a Masters of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management. He is slated to assume his branding responsibilities at New Belgium on October 3rd, 2011.
About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces nine year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit, Ranger IPA, Belgo IPA and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.
