Hauser has helped grow the importer from a two-brand, on-premise focused portfolio to a multi-brand, multi-channel business, the company says, including into grocery and convenience channels.

“We would like to thank Steve Hauser for his work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to our brewery group,” said Jörg Biebernick, CEO of the Paulaner Brewery Group, in a statement. “We will continue to build on his legacy.”

Hauser’s tenure is full of many accomplishments, including refining Paulaner USA’s overall portfolio by growing the core group brands and adding significant business by securing the rights to Tsingtao, the leading export beer from China. 

He took over Paulaner USA as an importer with significant draft volume and a focus on Oktoberfest sales, the company adds. The portfolio today is almost equally split between on and off-trade, with the majority of business coming from year-round sales. The Paulaner Group’s brands are enjoying their best year yet, with impressive growth. 

“Of all the things I am most proud of during my tenure, it is the development of a clear route to market/sales strategy, the introduction/better use of data analytics to drive our sales presentations and the development of a corporate culture based on professionalism, trust and collaboration,” Hauser said in a statement. “I am confident that I am leaving behind a motivated and passionate team that will serve the brands well in the future.”