CONGRATULATIONS HARPOON BREWERY EMPLOYEES!

Harpoon Brewery, as of August 1,  became an employee-owned company. The existing shareholder group transferred 48% of the company’s shares to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). “Employee ownership is the embodiment of what Harpoon stands for,” says its co-founder, Dan Kenary. “Our success as an independent craft brewer is attributed to our outstanding employees and the wonderful culture we have at the brewery. The ESOP strengthens our commitment to our employees, our culture and to making and sharing great beer.” The Harpoon Brewery was founded in 1986 by Dan Kenary and Rich Doyle. It has since grown to be the 12th largest craft brewery in the US and currently has 187 full-time employees between its Boston and Windsor, Vermont, brewing facilities. Doyle will step down as CEO but will maintain part-time status at the brewery, focusing on key marketing and sales initiatives as well as new business development. Kenary will assume the role of CEO. No other changes in the management structure will take place. “This is a big transition for the company and for me, but it feels like the right thing at the right time,” says Doyle. “I have enjoyed my twenty-eight years working here and building a first class brewing company from idea to reality. The ESOP will really fit the culture here since Harpoon has always been a very team-oriented place. Dan and the Harpoon team will continue to do an excellent job.”