Beer Marketer's Insights - Leinenkugel's Prexy Tony Bugher Steps Down; Katie Leinenkugel Steps In

Molson Coors-owned Leinenkugel's has a new leader, tho it's keeping things in the family. Tony Bugher "made the decision to resign from the role as President of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co" following 3 years at the helm, he announced on LinkedIn, thanking his colleagues and noting the move came "after much reflection." Tony took the reins from his uncle Dick Leinenkugel at the start of 2023. Stepping into the role will be Tony's cousin, Katie Leinenkugel. She's already listed as Leinie's President on LinkedIn and has worked at MC in various roles since Jun 2018. Katie served as a distributor sales exec for 2.5 yrs until Apr '24, and most recently was a commercial development rotational program manager for the last ~2 yrs.Tho the promotion to prexy is a big one, Katie is "ready to lead Leinenkugel's into its next chapter with energy, authenticity, and a deep love for the brand," wrote Tony, adding that he's "incredibly proud" to pass her the baton. Tony noted that he looks forward to sharing an update on where he's headed in a separate post. But "the resilience, passion, and pride of the people behind Leinenkugel's have left a lasting imprint on me. That spirit is what has fueled this brand for 159 years, and it will continue to carry it forward long after any one of us."Katie called it "an incredible honor" to help lead the storied brewery in a LinkedIn post earlier this week. "As I take on this role, I'm especially proud to be only the second female president in our family company's long history. The first was Susan Leinenkugel, daughter of Jacob Leinenkugel, who led the brewery in 1927."2025 marked another challenging year for the brand with total Leinie $$ sales down 11.4% in 2025 Circana multi-outlet + convenience scans, even as sales grew 0.8% for last 4 wks of the year. And while Tony's tenure included notable innovations like Juicy Peach, Lakeside Cherry, as well a focus on core Summer Shandy, it was also marked by the closure of Leinie's Chippewa Falls brewery. That move brought its share of local blowback, tho the Leinie taproom and pilot brewery remain open. "I'm grateful for the trust placed in me and so very energized by the work ahead: ensuring that Leinenkugel's continues to thrive for generations to come," wrote Katie.

Leinenkugel's Prexy Tony Bugher Steps Down; Katie Leinenkugel Steps In

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