Upland Announces Leadership Changes

Upland has announced upcoming changes in its leadership, including the departure of president and part-owner Doug Dayhoff. For all the details, see below:

BLOOMINGTON, IN—After 11 years of growth, success, and countless beers shared, Upland Brewing Company announces the departure of President, part owner, and friend Doug Dayhoff.

“After thoughtful consideration, I’m ready to announce that I’m stepping down as President of Upland. I feel confident about leaving the business in the very capable hands of one of the best management teams in independent beer,” said Dayhoff. “Thanks to all of you who helped build Upland into a great brewery—your encouragement, advice, and the pints you’ve enjoyed with us are part of this story, too.”

Dayhoff’s leadership, mixed with a little elbow grease, helped Upland grow from a small brewpub into a regional brewery that produces more than 50 beers a year. His tenure has been filled with continuous growth—from opening new brewpub and tasting room locations in Broad Ripple, Carmel and Columbus, Indiana to 2016’s sours expansion and the building of the Wood Shop Sour Ale Brewery, which has allowed for wholesale distribution nationwide as well as continued experimentation with small-batch sour beers.

While Dayhoff will step away from day-to-day operations, he will continue to support key initiatives, including sour ale launches in new markets, through the end of the year. Meanwhile, Upland, as a whole, will strategically stay the course and continue to build momentum in all three of the brewery’s three key areas of focus.

“It’s full speed ahead on our growth strategy of regional craft distribution, national sours rollout, and the best brewpub experience in the Midwest. While we’ll miss our partner Doug and wish him success in his next adventure, we are excited about the future and have complete faith in the ability of Upland’s 200+ family members to keep us moving forward without missing a beat,” said David Semmel, for the Upland ownership group.

Upland is launching a search for a new president of the company. Until that person is found, the company’s leadership will be handled by the executive team that has worked alongside Doug over the years. This team consists of Pete Batule who leads brewery and retail operations, Tim Spears who heads finance and human resources, and David Bower, who oversees sales and marketing efforts.

“Doug has certainly set us up for success as we continue to grow,” said Batule. “He will always be part of the Upland family, and we wish him nothing but the best on his next ride.