Lion Group announced yesterday that Shaun Belongie will become the next Chief Executive Officer of New Belgium, the company’s North American craft beer and fine wine business.
Belongie, who has five years of experience as New Belgium’s Chief Marketing Officer, assumes the role following the departure of former CEO Steve Fechheimer. Lion conducted an extensive search and interview process to fill the role, including both internal and external candidates.
Lion Group CEO Sam Fischer said: “The United States is a strategically important market for Lion Group and we are thrilled to welcome Shaun as the next CEO of New Belgium.
“Shaun’s breadth of experience, innovative mindset, commercial acumen and deep love for the New Belgium culture and people make him an excellent fit to lead the team. I also want to thank and recognize Danielle McLarnon for her exceptional leadership as interim CEO, and she will continue to play a critical role as New Belgium’s Chief Financial Officer.
“New Belgium’s future is incredibly bright, and I look forward to working with Shaun and the team to continue the company’s growth story.”
With 20 years of experience in consumer packaged goods, Belongie will lead the company into its next chapter as an industry leader with a focus on strengthening its people-driven business practices. As North America’s largest craft beer platform, Belongie steps into the role after several years of tremendous growth.
“New Belgium Brewing is a special place, driven by the best people in the business,” said Belongie.
“I am deeply humbled to have the opportunity to work alongside these incredible employees every day. I want to thank Lion Group CEO Sam Fischer for his confidence in me to lead New Belgium into its next chapter, and Kim Jordan for her inspiration in rethinking what a business can be.”
After joining forces with Bell’s Brewery in 2022, New Belgium’s portfolio will include Voodoo Range and Fat Tire Ale, America’s first certified carbon neutral beer, Two Hearted IPA and Oberon Ale.
In his five years at New Belgium, Belongie has demonstrated a commitment to driving positive business results through a differentiated way of doing business, such as his role in stewarding New Belgium’s Human Powered Business Model.
In his role as Chief Marketing Officer, Belongie successfully grew Voodoo Ranger sales, tripling them from three million to nine million cases in three years, as well as launching Juice Force in 2022 and overseeing the New Belgium and Bell’s portfolios following their merger.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Shaun Belongie at the helm,” said New Belgium co-founder Kim Jordan. “Throughout his career, Shaun has demonstrated the benefits of doing business internationally, which is what New Belgium has been about since the beginning. Our employees, communities and distributors are in good hands.”
Danielle McLarnon, who has served as interim CEO since August, will return to her role as chief financial officer as Belongie transitions into the CEO role, effective immediately.
“I would like to thank Danielle for her steady leadership over the past several months as acting CEO. Danielle’s guidance during this transition has been invaluable,” added Belongie.
