More trouble brewing? Maria Stipp resigns as Lagunitas’ CEO

USA | The top brass for Lagunitas announced on 20 February 2020 that she is stepping down with immediate effect after nearly five years as CEO. Her departure comes shortly after Lagunitas reported another round of layoffs.

The Press Democrat newspaper said the Dutch parent company has asserted more control over the pioneering craft brewery. Heineken has fully owned Lagunitas since 2017. Lagunitas now employs 650 people at its Petaluma plant and in Chicago. Mr Magee had hired Ms Stipp to manage the company at a time of slowing growth in the US craft brewing industry. The most recent layoff, announced in January this year, will affect “less than 5 percent” of the brewer’s workforce.

Ms Stipp will be replaced by Dennis Peek, who is Managing Director of Heineken Canada. He has been with Heineken since 2001, working in New York and Barcelona.