Sam Kraynek, interim CEO for North Coast Brewing Co., is retiring, and Jeffrey Ottoboni, previously CFO of Paul Hobbs Winery, has been appointed new CEO of the Fort Bragg, California-based independent craft brewery.
Kraynek has been with the company since 2013, serving as COO before becoming taking on the interim CEO role. He led the company during the brewery’s leadership transition earlier this year with the retirement of Mark Reudrich, the brewery’s co-founder and president emeritus.
Ottoboni comes to North Coast Brewing with more than 25 years of prominent leadership experience in the wine industry, and fulfilling similar CEO responsibilities in his previous roles. Ottoboni recently held the role of CFO at Paul Hobbs Winery, helping to guide the company to two years of record performance. He has served as VP of Wilson Daniels Ltd. and Premier Pacific Vineyards, and for five years as the CFP for Cuvaison Winery. He has overseen operations and financial planning and participated at the board level for more than 20 years.
Ottoboni graduated from the University of Notre Dame, with honors, and the University of California at Los Angeles, School of Law. He also holds a WSET Level III Award in Wines and Spirits with Merit—an advanced level certification that demonstrates a detailed understanding of grape growing and wine making.
“It’s a privilege to step into the role of North Coast Brewing’s CEO,” says Ottoboni. “North Coast Brewing is a pioneer and innovator in the craft brewing industry, and its commitment to sustainability and philanthropy sets it apart from other national craft breweries of its scale and distribution. I’m honored to lead the brewery into its next chapter, continuing not only its reputation for producing quality, award-winning beers, but also its positive impact on the community and planet.”
“Jeff is an excellent coach and facilitator, with a special expertise in developing personnel and teams,” says Kraynek. “While I am thankful for the past six years I spent at North Coast Brewing, most recently as CEO and president, I look forward to watching it continue to flourish under Jeff’s guidance. I know that he will continue the company’s legacy as one of the most sustainable breweries in the country.”
