John Hannafan appointed General Manager and Director of Education at Siebel

Chicago | Lallemand Specialties Inc. announces the appointment of John Hannafan to the position of General Manager and Director of Education of the Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago. Hannafan currently holds the position of Vice President and Director of Education at Siebel Institute.

In this newly created role, Hannafan will continue to oversee the school’s operations, adding global strategy and business development responsibilities. He will preserve Siebel’s legacy and relevance as one of the world’s oldest and most respected brewing schools. Hannafan will also promote the school’s position as a leader in brewing education and research while seeking new business opportunities – both externally and internally – that expand the school’s presence regarding brewing and the distilling industry.

Since joining Siebel Institute in 2013, Hannafan has been instrumental in maintaining school operations and strengthening the relationship with World Brewing Academy (WBA) partner Doemens Academy in Munich. Additionally, he has formed and maintained mutually significant partnerships with organizations such as the Michael James Jackson Foundation, the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, and the Pink Boots Society to make brewing education accessible to all through the creation and support of scholarship programs.

Hannafan brings with him nearly 20 years of brewing experience. As an independent consultant, he designed and built breweries, vetted equipment, supervised installations, and developed recipes for national and international labels. A 2005 graduate of Siebel Institute’s WBA International Diploma in Brewing Technology, he also served as an adjunct instructor at Siebel from 2010 to 2013. Hannafan also brings a background in marketing and advertising as a former art director and graphic designer working with renowned brands such as Tribune Company, McDonald’s and United Airlines.

“It is good to know that the leadership of the Siebel Institute is still in trusted hands,” says Dr. Werner Glossner, Doemen’s CEO. “We at Doemens look forward to our further cooperation in the World Brewing Academy.”

“As an alumnus, I find it rewarding to assist students as they embark on their brewing journeys,” says Hannafan. “Like other industries, brewing is changing and constantly presenting challenges. I look forward to continuing to mentor the next generation of brewers. I aim to continue making Siebel relevant in brewing education and research and expanding business opportunities that fit our vision.”