Bear Republic Brewing Co. Announces New Chief Operating Officer & New Brewmaster

Peter Kruger, COO

Roger Herpst, Brewmaster

From Bear Republic:

(CLOVERDALE, CA ) Bear Republic Brewing Company is pleased to announce the promotion of Peter Kruger to the position of Chief Operating Officer and Roger Herpst to Brewmaster. Kruger held the position of Master Brewer for more than two decades, he now takes over the role of COO from Richard G. “Ricardo” Norgrove, who is assuming the position of Chief Executive Officer from his father and company Co-Founder Richard R. Norgrove. Herpst previously held the role as Quality Assurance Manager and has worked at the company for eleven years.

Kruger has worked in various roles within the brewing industry and throughout the Western United States for more than a quarter of a century. He consulted for a variety of local businesses including Stumptown Brewery and Mary’s Pizza Shack. Kruger’s goal in his new role is to focus on constant improvement within the organization as well as increasing sustainability and fiscal efficiencies.

In addition to Kruger’s promotion to COO, Bear Republic promoted Roger Herpst to the role of Brewmaster. In his new role, Herpst will oversee all aspects related to the production of Bear Republic beer: brewing, packaging and quality assurance. In addition to his duties at the production facility in Cloverdale, Herpst will steer the brewery portion of both Bear Republic’s brewpubs: its original pub in Healdsburg and one in Rohnert Park overlooking Roberts Lake which opened in 2017. Prior to his promotion, Herpst served as Quality Assurance Manager, Brewer at Large, and was a homebrewer for several years.
“Without a doubt Peter has played an instrumental role in the growth of our company as well as the Sonoma County craft beer industry.  We’re fortunate to have a true pioneer of the craft beer industry as our new COO.  We’re also thankful Roger Herpst has accepted the role of Brewmaster.  We look forward in his continued leadership in helping to make our beer as fresh and full flavored as possible,” said Richard G. Norgrove.  “We’re honored both of these gentlemen have chosen to call Bear Republic home.”

As incoming CEO, Richard G. Norgrove added a canning line, an entirely new lineup of ales, and new distribution partners throughout the United States. While COO, Richard G. partnered with North State Solar and installed the first American Pride solar array in the United States. Combined with its Rohnert Park brewpub’s solar array, Bear Republic’s solar system size is 150 kW. In addition to its solar array system, Bear Republic has installed the world’s first bioelectrically enhanced wastewater pretreatment plant which provides close to 50% of company’s electrical needs. Under Richard’s guidance, Bear Republic will continue to focus on environmentally friendly production and sustainable business practices.

Founded by the Norgrove family in 1995, Bear Republic Brewing Company is one of the largest independent craft brewers in the United States. With a constantly growing portfolio of craft ales, Bear Republic maintains a reputation for creating undeniably tasty beverages featuring rich flavor profiles to complement your adventurous lifestyle.
“I’m proud of the accomplishments our company has brought to the national awareness of craft brewing. As I step down from day to day operations leading the charge as company Chief Executive Officer, I look forward to my son’s new role as incoming CEO. I know our success lies in the efforts of our team and I’m enthusiastic to see what the next generation of Bear Republic will build under Ricardo’s vision,” Co-Founder and now former CEO Richard R. Norgrove Sr. said. “As the industry we serve changes, bold new leadership must adapt and make the critical adjustments necessary to thrive and succeed. I look forward to the continued success of our company under my son’s leadership.”