Liquor lobby names new CEO

Kraig Naasz, the current head of the frozen food lobby, will become the president and CEO of the trade group for booze at the beginning of next year.

Following a nearly seven-month search, the Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) found a successor to leader Peter Cressy, who earlier this year announced his intention to step down at the end of 2015.

“Kraig’s knowledge of the food and beverage marketplace, his extensive executive experience and professional network will help DISCUS advance its commercial, public policy and social responsibility agenda,” Gerry Ruvo, chairman of Campari America and chairman of the DISCUS board of directors, said in a statement.

{mosads}DISCUS spent $2.94 million in lobbying during the first six months of 2015, according to lobbying disclosure records. Last year, the group spent a total of $5.67 million on advocacy.

While Naasz began his Washington career as a House and Senate aide, he has since gone on to be the chief executive of four industry groups: the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), the National Mining Association, The Fertilizer Institute and the U.S. Apple Association.

“We greatly appreciate and value Kraig’s leadership of AFFI over these past seven years,” Paul Bakus, AFFI chairman and Nestlé president of corporate affairs, said in a statement. “AFFI has added 170 new members over the past three years, grown its annual budget from $3.5 million to $25 million and significantly enhanced the value derived by its nearly 500 members during Kraig’s tenure.”

Cressy led DISCUS for the last 16 years, and during that time, the spirits industry experienced a boom in sales. According to the organization, the spirits industry increased its market share by 22 percent and supplier revenues more than doubled during that period.

Naasz “has the leadership experience plus the Washington savvy to ensure that the industry continues to be well-represented in Washington, in the states and around the globe,” Cressy said in a statement. “I look forward to working with Kraig and the board over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition.”

Nels Olson, a vice chairman at executive search firm Korn Ferry, helped conduct the search.