Dogfish Head names new president, chief operating officer

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery has named a new president and chief operating officer.

George Pastrana has been selected to fill the roles, according to a release.

"George has impressed us every step of the way with his integrity, people-first, products-second leadership philosophy, sound experience at high level strategic planning, and his recognition that innovation and brand distinction are at the heart of every successful entrepreneurial company's raison d'etre,” said Sam Calagione, founder and CEO of Dogfish Head, in a release.

“These very same priorities have driven me and my coworkers since we opened Dogfish Head as the smallest commercial brewery in the country in 1995," he said. "We have come a long way and we are very excited George is now joining us on our journey, as the leader of Dogfish Head's leaders.”

Pastrana comes to Dogfish Head after working at ACH Food Companies, where he spent six years as chief marketing officer and vice president of marketing and innovation.

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Pastrana holds an MBA in marketing from Cornell University-Johnson School of Management. He is also a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he studied biomedical engineering.

When Pastrana was looking for his newest position, he said he was looking for a company that is entrepreneurial and innovative.

As Pastrana went through the interview process for the position, he said Dogfish Head's "off-centered" culture drew him in.

"When you talk to people here, that's infectious," he said.

He added the innovation brought to the company from Calagione, — as well as the brand, spirit of teamwork and collaboration — excited Pastrana, making the job easier to take.

Pastrana has moved from Illinois to coastal Delaware, and he assumes his position immediately. Mariah Calagione maintains her position as executive vice president and co-founder.

Dogfish Head is a great business with a lot of history, heritage and culture, Pastrana said. The self-described foodie said being picked to be their "leader among leaders" made him jump out of his seat.

"I came out of the food industry," he said. "I love experimenting and trying new dishes, and that is what attracted me to Dogfish Head. Their brands and their products have a culinary brand to it. For me, being a foodie, that was really exciting."

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