Hennessy names Renaud Fillioux de Gironde as the eighth generation Master Blender. Renaud apprenticed under his uncle, seventh generation Master Blender Yann Fillioux. The passing of the Master Blender title and responsibilities continues a lineage that has remained unbroken for more than two centuries and is unique in the world of Cognac.
National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) hired Amanda DeBard as Communications Director. Most recently, DeBard worked as a communications consultant for Washington trade associations and public relations firms, including National Association of Manufacturers and Keybridge Communications.
Brewers Association (BA) hired Ann Obenchain as marketing director Obenchain replaces Barbara Fusco, who announced she was stepping down after more than seven years. Previously Obenchain served as marketing and development director at the Colorado Chautauqua Association, where she led all marketing and communications campaigns, oversaw year-round programming and created various development funding strategies.