Wachusett Brewing Company (WBC), one of the region’s largest brewers, has announced that Christian McMahan (pictured atop) has been appointed president of the Massachusetts-based company, effective this June.
Wachusett Co-Founder Ned LaFortune will continue in his current role as CEO and remain active in various projects.
“Christian coming on board is the biggest thing that has happened to Wachusett since we first opened in 1994,” says LaFortune in a press release. “His understanding of the beer business, proven leadership, and vision for its future will be a tremendous asset. His passion for beer and all related to brewing is infectious. With our shared leadership of WBC, I am bullish on the future of our company and the entire craft segment.”
McMahan comes to Wachusett Brewing with 20-plus years of beverage industry experience, the company says, most notably as CMO at Heineken USA and VP of marketing for Diageo’s US beer portfolio.
McMahan also spent several years in sales at Boston Beer Company, most of which was spent in the Massachusetts market.
“It feels great to be coming home,” says McMahan. “I grew up in the area and have always greatly admired and respected the work that Ned and his team have done in growing the Wachusett brand. To now have the opportunity to work alongside him in authoring the next wave of growth for Wachusett for the future is a dream come true,” he added.
LaFortune believes that with his new leadership in place, the company is now well positioned for the future. “My passion is planning, strategy, design, process and problem solving. With Christian now on our team, I will be able to spend much more time working with VP of Operations Brad Dufour where my strengths are and still co-lead the company with Christian.”
