Molson Coors Beverage Co. on Monday named Rahul Goyal, the company’s chief strategy officer and a 24-year veteran, as its next president and chief executive officer. He will take over Oct. 1. Gavin Hattersley, chief executive since 2019, will stay through the end of the year as an adviser during the transition.

Goyal, who joined the brewer in 2001, has held leadership posts in finance, information technology and strategy in the United States, the United Kingdom and India. He will also join the board of directors.

“I am honored to take on the CEO role and lead this company towards its next chapter of growth,” Goyal said in the announcement.

Board Chair David Coors said the board evaluated both internal and external candidates before selecting Goyal. 

“After conducting an extensive and thorough CEO succession process that included evaluating internal and external candidates, it was clear that Rahul brought the right experience and vision that we believe is needed to drive the next phase of growth for Molson Coors,” Coors said.

Board Vice Chair Geoff Molson said Goyal’s track record set him apart. 

“Rahul has delivered meaningful growth in new spaces for the company thanks to his ability to build partnerships that align with the company’s strategic priorities,” Molson said. “On top of that, he leads with authenticity and integrity and has built deep trust both inside and outside of Molson Coors, while igniting passion around our transformation journey.”

Hattersley said he supports the decision. 

“Having known and had the pleasure of working closely with Rahul during his many years with Molson Coors, I believe he is the right choice to lead the company into the future,” he said.

Though Molson Coors is based in Chicago, Wisconsin remains the heart of its brewing story. Frederick Miller founded the Milwaukee Brewery in 1855, purchasing the Plank Road Brewery. That Milwaukee site, in what is now known as Miller Valley, employs more than 600 people and is recognized as the oldest large-scale operating brewery in the United States. The brewery continues to serve as a production hub and a symbol of Milwaukee’s industrial heritage.

Farther north, Jacob Leinenkugel opened the Leinenkugel brewery in Chippewa Falls in 1867. That brand became a Wisconsin staple and remains in the Molson Coors portfolio. In November 2024 the company announced it would close the Chippewa Falls plant, with the final shifts completed in January. 

Production of Leinenkugel’s beers has been moved to Milwaukee, but the Leinie Lodge, a visitor center and pilot brewery, remains open. The closure affected 56 hourly workers.

Employment tied to Molson Coors has long been significant in the state. A 2017 report placed MillerCoors’ Milwaukee workforce at about 1,400. In 2021, the company said it employed 1,290 full-time workers in Wisconsin, including 540 positions retained in Milwaukee with corporate functions and 377 new positions added through expanded production capacity.

The company’s portfolio now spans traditional beer, flavored beverages, spirits and non-alcoholic offerings. Alongside Miller Lite, Coors Light, Coors Banquet and Leinenkugel’s, Molson Coors markets Blue Moon Belgian White, Staropramen, Vizzy Hard Seltzer and other brands. Under Goyal’s leadership in strategy, the company struck partnerships with Coca-Cola for Simply Spiked, Fever-Tree mixers, ZOA energy drinks and Blue Run whiskey.

Molson Coors officials said Goyal will present his plans for the company in the months ahead. His appointment, they said, combines continuity with a mandate to pursue new areas of growth.

Molson Coors trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TAP.