New Leadership at the Helm of Brewers of Europe

Christian Weber, CEO of the Karlsberg brewery and President of the German Brewers’ Association (Deutscher Brauer-Bund), has been elected as the new President of The Brewers of Europe by its General Assembly.

Weber represents the fifth generation of his family to lead Karlsberg Brauerei KG Weber, and has long been involved in the work of The Brewers of Europe, having previously served as Vice-President and as a member of its Board.

He succeeds Lasse Aho, who spent five years as President of the association during an especially turbulent period for the industry, marked by a global pandemic, closures in the hospitality sector, rising costs, shifting social trends, and an evolving political environment.

Expressing his gratitude, Weber stated, “Lasse’s experience and calm demeanour have been much appreciated, first as Board member, then as Vice-President, and finally as President of The Brewers of Europe. I thank him for the many hours he has devoted in support of the activities of all of Europe’s breweries, small, medium and large.”

Established in 1958, The Brewers of Europe represents the combined interests of over 10,000 breweries across 28 European countries. By uniting national brewing associations, the organization serves as the collective voice of the region’s beer sector to European and global institutions.

Beer production and consumption in the European Union contribute significantly to the economy, generating more than 2 million jobs and €110 billion in annual consumer spending. This results in roughly €52 billion in added value and €40 billion in tax revenues for EU governments each year.

Weber emphasized the increasing relevance of European-level engagement for the industry. “The challenges and opportunities we face as an association and in the breweries extend beyond national borders,” he said. “Strengthening networking and the exchange of experiences, and collectively supporting effective policy frameworks, are essential. The Brewers of Europe is a strong and respected association in Brussels with a vast network equipped to face these challenges.”

Highlighting political concerns such as excessive regulation, energy costs, and packaging policies, Weber added, “I aim to enhance dialogue with policymakers, clearly communicate the brewing industry’s positions, and promote the positive role beer plays today and in the future—for the benefit of all breweries.”

He expressed optimism about working with the current European Commission and Parliament, saying, “I believe that The Brewers of Europe, its members, and the broader beer value chain can be trusted, responsible partners in helping Europe achieve a sustainable and prosperous future for both its citizens and its brewers.”

An economics graduate from the University of Edinburgh, Weber gained experience in the international food and beverage industry, working in Switzerland and Ghana before joining Heineken in Austria. He returned to the family brewery in 2010. Prior to his presidency of the German Brewers’ Association, he served as Vice-President of both the national body and The Brewers of Europe.