A big chair just opened at the biggest brewer on the planet. Brendan Whitworth, North American CEO of Anheuser-Busch InBev, will leave at the end of November to join high-end gym chain Equinox, Brewbound reported Nov. 2.
Who replaces Brendan Whitworth
A-B InBev says it will name a new North American Zone leader “in due course.” Until then, the North American leadership team reports to A-B InBev CEO Michel Doukeris. Doukeris thanked Whitworth “for his contributions to A-B InBev and for his partnership over the past 13 years.”
Whitworth joined A-B in 2013, served as chief sales officer, and became North American Zone president in July 2021, taking over from Doukeris.
The Bud Light numbers he leaves behind
Whitworth’s tenure included the 2023 Bud Light boycott, and the brand is still shrinking. Bud Light is down 7.8% in dollars and 8.8% in volume year-to-date through Oct. 4 in Circana-tracked off-premise retail, per Brewbound. Michelob Ultra is the bright spot, up 6.4% to $2.98 billion in dollar sales.
For another big-brand ownership story, see Anchor Brewing’s new owner.
What to watch next
The new leader inherits a portfolio that’s moving toward Michelob Ultra, Busch Light and spirits-based drinks, with Bud Light still sliding. We’ll report the name when A-B announces it.
Transmission complete.
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