Toll Free Orders:
1 (866) 291-5756
August A. Busch Lands The Big One
Last Wednesday Anheuser-Busch announced that the fifth generation of the Busch family will be leading the largest beer company in the world. The move is not a big surprise, as Busch IV has spent the last 21 years working for A-B preparing himself for the ultimate positions, president and CEO. Busch IV’s father, Busch III, has been grooming his son to take on the roll since he stepped down and placed Patrick Stokes as president and CEO four years ago.
Busch IV has been working as the president of the flagship brewery unit of St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch. Busch IV’s segment is responsible for the brewing of Budweiser, Bud Light and other beers. Currently Budweiser is the world’s best selling full-calorie beer and Bud Light is the world’s best selling light beer. The promotion signals upward moves throughout the global beer giant. Busch III will retire from his position as Chairman of the Board, a roll that Patrick Stokes will assume. Stokes’ promotion to Chairman of the Board left the president and CEO seat vacant, creating the opportunity for Busch IV to step in.
The promotion signals upward moves throughout the global beer giant. Busch III will retire from his position as Chairman of the Board, a roll that Patrick Stokes will assume. Stokes’ promotion to Chairman of the Board left the president and CEO seat vacant, creating the opportunity for Busch IV to step in. Busch accepts the top-spot at a difficult time for the beer titan.
Slumping sales and botched corporate acquisitions have caused some issues for A-B. The company hopes bringing the Busch name back to the top spot of the company will boost business both in the U.S and abroad. Busch will have to deal with the constant onslaught from competitors as well as the recent growth of the craft beer industry, two very difficult battles. Additionally, Busch will have to reinvent the brand in Europe where beer sales have been steadily slumping. Taking the reigns of his family’s company will be a good thing for Busch IV. A-B needs a big boost and I think they will get it from the return of a Busch to the front office. A-B has said they are in desperate need of new leadership from a new generation of CEO. It will be interesting to see if Busch IV is up to the challenge.
