Brewing Success: CEO Insights with Sprecher

Presented in partnership with the UWM Research Foundation, and UWM student groups Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) and Minority Women in Entrepreneurship (MWE).

Since taking the helm in 2020, Sharad has led Sprecher through rapid growth, expanding its distribution to all 50 states and diversifying its portfolio through strategic acquisitions.  Students will lead the Q&A, so bring your curiosity and your questions. Registration required to  attend. 

About the Speaker
Sharad Chadha is an accomplished leader with a proven track record of driving remarkable growth and transformation. As the dynamic CEO, President, and primary owner of Sprecher Brewing Company, Sharad has steered the company’s course since assuming leadership in January 2020. Under his visionary stewardship, Sprecher has achieved unprecedented milestones, solidifying it’s position in the industry.
Sharad’s tenure at the helm of Sprecher has been nothing short of extraordinary. In just a few years, he has overseen a remarkable tripling of the company’s sales, expanding its footprint to all 50 states with a remarkable 400% increase in distribution. This remarkable growth has been powered by his strategic acumen and unwavering commitment to excellence.
In addition to driving substantial top-line growth, Sharad has fostered a thriving work environment, exemplified by the expansion of Sprecher’s workforce from 50 employees to 160. His commitment to operational excellence is further demonstrated by the expansion of the bottling line, introduction of a can production line, and the expansion of an additional 215,000 square feet of warehouse space in Wisconsin. These investments have positioned Sprecher for sustained success in a competitive market.
Sharad’s leadership and strategy for Sprecher growth is based on vertical integration and M&A Roll UP. Sprecher’s platform for growth includes mergers and acquisitions. They have acquired several beverage companies, Craft soda: Green River, Black bear, WBC, Olde Brooklyn. Lemonade: Oh La Lemin, Variety packaging Excent, recently in the energy beverage space with the acquisition of Juvee. This diversifies and completes Sprecher’s portfolio in the craft beverage space which includes Craft Beer, Hard Seltzers, Ciders, RTD cocktails and more.
Sharad’s extensive experience spans over two decades, encompassing P&L management and value creation across both global corporations and startups. Recently with a tenure as VP for Samsung Consumer Electronics, USA.
His journey through senior executive roles in esteemed organizations such as GE Healthcare, Electrolux, ABB, and successful startups underscores his exceptional leadership capabilities. Sharad’s expertise extends to mergers, acquisitions, and global business transformation and integration, with a track record of orchestrating successful outcomes.
Rooted in a family legacy of craft beverage production and distribution, Sharad’s passion for the industry is deeply personal. Inspired by his great-grandfather’s legacy of bottling and distributing natural soda in pre-independence British India, he has always aspired to lead his own beverage company.
His impact is quantifiable, having delivered over $300 million in margin expansion to the bottom line in just a year, consistently exceeding targets. Sharad’s unwavering commitment to excellence sets a high bar for himself and his teams, firmly believing that “the sky is the limit.”
Beyond the boardroom, Sharad has shared his insights as a keynote and commencement speaker at various conferences and educational institutions. He has also contributed to the community, serving as President of the International Developing Country Aid Organization and actively engaging in philanthropic endeavors for the less advantaged.
Sharad’s educational background includes a one-year Executive Management Program from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. He also holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, and a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the University of Pune, India.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Sharad is a curious and avid reader with a keen interest in behavioral economics, religion, and politics. He maintains a healthy lifestyle through exercise and watersports and treasures quality time spent with his wife, son, and their two poodles. They call Shorewood, WI, their home. Sharad Chadha is not just a leader; he is a catalyst for transformation and growth in every endeavor he undertakes. He and the Sprecher team will not rest until every lip has a Sprecher Sip!