Dogfish Head names George Pastrana as president/COO
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery has named George Pastrana as the new president/COO of the company. For 22 years, Dogfish Head has explored every corner of the universe for off-centered ingredients, and for the last 12 months, company representatives have circled the globe searching for the perfect off-centered leader. They found the ideal complement for the company in Pastrana.
"George has impressed us every step of the way with his integrity, people-first, products-second leadership philosophy, sound experience at high-level strategic planning, and his recognition that innovation and brand distinction are at the heart of every successful entrepreneurial company's raison d'etre," said Sam Calagione, founder and CEO of Dogfish Head. "These very same priorities have driven me and my co-workers since we opened Dogfish Head as the smallest commercial brewery in the country in 1995. We have come a long way, and we are very excited George is now joining us on our journey, as the leader of Dogfish Head's leaders."
Pastrana comes to Dogfish by way of ACH Food Companies where he spent six years as chief marketing officer/vice president of marketing and innovation. He holds an MBA in marketing from Cornell University - Johnson Graduate School of Management, and is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he studied biomedical engineering. Pastrana brings a passion for growing teams, building brands, nurturing culture and delivering results. "I'm a person who loves the potential of brands and the energy they inspire," Pastrana said. "Dogfish is innovative and entrepreneurial, and I am looking forward to this opportunity; plus, I am a foodie at heart, and Dogfish is a food lovers’ beer."
Pastrana relocated from Illinois to coastal Delaware to join the Dogfish family, and his position as president/COO is effective immediately. He will be reporting directly to Dogfish Head CEO and co-founder Sam Calagione, and Mariah Calagione maintains her position as executive vice president and co-founder. For more information, go to www.dogfish.com.
