Meet Brendan Whitworth, the CEO of Anheuser-Busch (Bud Light) and former CIA officer responsible for approving Bud Lights latest AD campaign
As a key member of the Zone leadership team and drawing on his deep experience in the CPG industry and his eight years in the Marine Corps and Central Intelligence Agency
Before assuming the role of CEO at one of the most renowned beer companies in the United States, Brendan Whitworth spent long hours studying for business school while stationed in Baghdad, Iraq, several years prior.
It was the only time he had to prepare for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) in between his work at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) .
During that period, Whitworth was committed to serving his country, initially as a first lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and subsequently as an operations officer for the CIA's counterterrorism center.
If that doesnt raise enough speculation, his grandfather worked at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), serving under President Hoover, before running the training in Quantico, Virginia.
"That's where kind of the attachment to … serving the country came from," Whitworth said.
After dropping his pursuit of a medical degree, the idea of serving the country had "become much more of a reality," Whitworth said.
Preceding his senior year at Bucknell, he participated in Officer Candidates School, an institution where graduation signifies the commissioning of candidates as officers in the United States Marine Corps, culminating in "the final transition from civilian to Marine officer," as stated by the Marines.
During that time, candidates prove "themselves capable as leaders our nation can count on," according to the Marines. After graduating OCS and Bucknell, Whitworth spent three years in the Marines and another five years at the agency, otherwise known as the first line of defense for the United States.
On July 1, 2021, Brendan Whitworth, the current U.S. Chief Sales Officer at the time, took over the position of Chief Executive Officer of Anheuser-Busch and as Zone President North America. Whitworth has served in numerous commercial leadership capacities within the U.S. for the past eight years. He replaced Michel Doukeris, who who took the role of global CEO of AB InBev on the same effective date.
“Over the last four years, Brendan has helped to shape and drive our 10-year commercial strategy. His market insights, consumer-first mindset, and strong leadership have been invaluable assets on our journey to lead industry growth,” said Michel Doukeris, incoming CEO of AB InBev. “With his deep roots in the U.S., his experience partnering with our wholesaler and retail customers, and his ability to inspire the North America team, I am confident Brendan is the right leader to accelerate our momentum in the U.S. and Canada.”
“I extend my congratulations to Brendan. He is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of success and deep relationships in the U.S. His appointment will build on our strong momentum in North America,” added outgoing AB InBev CEO Carlos Brito.
As a key member of the Zone leadership team and drawing on his deep experience in the CPG industry and his eight years in the Marine Corps and Central Intelligence Agency, Whitworth brings a unique perspective on the U.S. business and the U.S. consumer, reads the statement.
“I am humbled and honored to be appointed to lead our North American business as we continue to write the next chapter of innovation and growth for Anheuser-Busch and Labatt, two iconic industry leaders. As someone with deep personal and professional connections to the U.S, I could not be more excited to continue this journey alongside my exceptional colleagues,” said Whitworth. “I’d like to thank Michel for his confidence in me and for his partnership the last four years. I believe our best is yet to come as we continue to strengthen our industry, drive value for our customers and consumers, and make a positive and lasting impact in our communities.”
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