E-Malt.com News article: 1605

One of US leading breweries, Pyramid Breweries Inc., announced on September 23, that Jim Hilger had been appointed Vice President of Finance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer, and Corporate Secretary, effective September 17, 2003. Hilger comes to Pyramid from WorldCatch, Inc., a Seattle based seafood importing company which developed e-commerce solutions for the seafood industry. As Chief Executive Officer, Hilger had primary responsibility for all financial and operational aspects of the company, which serviced large retailers, food service distributors and seafood processing companies. He previously held Chief Financial Officer positions with WorldCatch, American Gem Seafoods, The Albert Fisher Group, and Profish International.

“Jim is a seasoned financial and operational executive who brings a wealth of valuable experience to the Pyramid team. As an experienced Chief Financial Officer, with over 15 years of senior financial and operational experience in the food industry, we believe he has the right set of skills and experience to help us execute our business strategy,” stated Martin Kelly, President and Chief Executive Officer.

During his career, Hilger has helped to raise over $40 million in equity financing and over $100 million in debt financing. “We believe that Jim’s experience in financing and managing growth will be invaluable as we seek to expand the Alehouse Division and leverage the Beverage Division assets”, said Kelly. “Executing our Alehouse strategy will be critical in developing our future business by creating brand awareness and serving as a focal point for sales and marketing efforts,” Kelly added. “We believe this strategy will enhance the “local status” of our brand, and provide clear differentiation from our competitors.”

“Pyramid has tremendous potential, and I am very excited about the financial leverage that can be achieved between the Alehouse expansion strategy and the existing beverage business. I believe that my broad experience in the food industry is a great fit with Pyramid. I look forward to utilizing my talents and experience to help drive the strategic initiatives of the company.” noted Hilger.

Hilger is a native of Tacoma, Washington. He earned a Business Administration degree from Gonzaga University, and a MBA from Pacific Lutheran University. He is a registered CPA in the state of Washington.

Pyramid Breweries Inc. is one of the leading brewers of specialty, full-flavored beers and sodas, producing a variety of ales and lagers under the Pyramid and Thomas Kemper brand names. The company also brews six styles of old-fashioned sodas under the Thomas Kemper Soda Company label. Pyramid operates two local breweries and three restaurants, the Pyramid Brewery & Alehouse in Seattle, Washington and the Pyramid Brewery & Alehouse in Berkeley, California and the Pyramid Alehouse in Walnut Creek, California. For more information, visit www.PyramidBrew.com.


26 September, 2003