First Beverage Group today announced that JB Shireman has joined the company as Vice President of The Beverage Intelligence Group. Shireman, who is widely known in the beverage industry as a leading expert in the operations and culture of craft beer companies, brings his specialized knowledge to the growing team of experts at First Beverage.

"A key strength of our business is our ability to attract and retain the industry's best talent," said Joth Ricci, Chief Operating Officer of First Beverage Group. "Bill Anderson and I have worked with JB in various capacities over the last 10 years, so it seemed a natural fit to ask him to join our team. JB's expertise in craft beer brings yet another dimension of value to our current and potential clients, whether they seek to launch a new craft brand, grow market share, or develop new business in that category. We are very happy to welcome him on board."

Shireman's experience in the beer industry spans 24 years. He is the former Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for New Belgium Brewing, the makers of Fat Tire Ale. He is also the founder and owner of the Bar Double S Tavern in LaPorte, Colorado, and of Craftcentric Consulting, which provides full-service consultation to beverage distributors and suppliers. He attended Colorado State University, where he majored in zoology and minored in geology. Shireman is also a freelance writer for The Drake and Fish & Fly magazines and is a regular Contributor to Craft Brew News and Beer Business Daily.

"I have worked with Bill Anderson since my early days at New Belgium and I have been continually impressed over the years by the depth of experience and diversity of the team he has assembled at First Beverage," said Shireman. "I am honored to have been asked to be a part of it."

Shireman will be based in Ft. Collins, CO and can be reached at jb@firstbev.com.