June 8 10:30-11:15am
A People-First Crisis Response
How New Belgium Built Resilience Through Disruption
To bridge the massive supply gap, Tom O’Connell, New Belgium’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, spearheaded a crisis resilience strategy that prioritized coworker safety with speedy operational pivots. From streamlining the company’s SKUs to mobilizing a multi-site response, the New Belgium team demonstrated how "Human Powered Business" isn't just a tagline - it's how New Belgium continues to deliver on its promise of world-class beer and business.
Meet the speaker
Tom O'Connell
Chief Supply Chain Officer, New Belgium
As New Belgium's Chief Supply Chain Officer, Tom O'Connell manages the company's brewing operations and supply chain strategy, bringing more than 25 years of brewing experience and a deep technical understanding of beer production.
Tom joined New Belgium in 2024 to oversee operations at New Belgium’s four breweries in Fort Collins, Colorado; Asheville, North Carolina; Comstock, Michigan; and Daleville, Virginia. Tom’s approach to leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and his strategic vision for the future help New Belgium remain at the forefront of innovation and best-in-class production for New Belgium’s iconic portfolio including Voodoo Ranger, Bell’s Two Hearted IPA, Kirin Ichiban, and many more.
Originally from southern New Hampshire, Tom began his brewing career at Smuttynose Brewing Company during college at the University of New Hampshire, where he studied chemical engineering. Before coming to New Belgium, Tom was Vice President of Brewing and Quality North America for Anheuser-Busch, where he led a team of more than 1,400 employees across 46 locations. He also had roles as Brewmaster, Brewery General Manager, Brewery Operations Director Eastern US, and Vice President of Supply for Craft and Imports. Tom lives in Fort Collins, Colorado with his wife, Stacy, and their two children.