It was announced yesterday by Lion Group 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 experience as Chief Marketing Officer at New Belgium, takes over the role following the departure of former CEO Steve Fechheimer. An extensive search and interview process was conducted by Lion 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 the Lion Group, and we are delighted to welcome Shaun as the next CEO of New Belgium.
“Shaun’s breadth of experience, innovative mindset, commercial acumen and great love of the New Belgium culture and co-workers makes Shaun an excellent fit to lead team. I also want to thank and acknowledge Danielle McLarnon for her exceptional leadership as Interim CEO, and she will continue to play a crucial role as New Belgium’s Chief Financial Officer.
“The future for New Belgium is incredibly bright and I look forward to working alongside Shaun and the team to continue its growth story.”
Bringing 20 years experience in consumer packaged goods, Belongie will lead the business into its next chapter as an industry leader, with a focus on strengthening its human-powered business practices. As North America’s largest craft beer platform, Belongie steps into the role following several years of tremendous growth.
“New Belgium Brewing is a special place, powered by the best people in the business,” said Belongie.
“I am deeply humbled to have the opportunity to work every day alongside these incredible coworkers. I want to thank Lion Group CEO Sam Fischer for his confidence in me to help guide 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 includes the likes of 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 shown 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 built sales of Voodoo Ranger, tripling them from three million to nine million cases over a three-year period, as well as launching Juice Force in 2022 and overseeing the portfolios of New Belgium and Bell’s once they joined forces.
“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 coworkers, communities and distributors are in great 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, stepping in immediately.
“I want to thank Danielle for her steady leadership over the last few months as acting CEO. Danielle’s guidance through this transition has been invaluable,” added Belongie.