Deschutes Brewery has hired Jeff Billingsley as its new marketing director. Billingsley, who has worked in the beverage and beer industry for the last 18 years, will oversee all the company’s marketing functions, including product promotions, packaging, events, advertising, digital media and more. Billingsley brings extensive experience in beer brand management and field marketing to his new position.
“Jeff brings solid experience to help lead our marketing team as we continue to grow,” said Michael LaLonde, COO for the company. “His understanding of marketing new products, from the research phase all the way to point-of-sale, complements our sales and marketing efforts at Deschutes.”
Billingsley, who will be based at the Deschutes Brewery headquarters in Bend, Oregon, is relocating from Chicago where he’s spent the last several years in brand management positions within MillerCoors.
“In the craft beer industry, people are passionate about what they do. That passion, along with the opportunity to help take the fifth largest craft brewery to the next level, is why I am looking forward to joining the team,” said Billingsley.
Prior to MillerCoors, Billingsley was with Coors Brewing Company in both field marketing and branding roles. Over his career he has managed nearly every aspect of product branding and bringing brands to market, including market research, packaging, merchandising and ongoing promotional programs. He holds a bachelor of science from Arizona State University. An avid mountain biker, cyclist, skier and fly fisherman, Billingsley is looking forward to relocating to the outdoor recreational mecca of Bend, where he has often visited family in the past.