Leadership
Adolphus
Busch (1839-1913) built Anheuser-Busch into the industry leader with modern technology and marketing.
He was the first U.S. brewer to use pasteurization, artificial refrigeration and refrigerated railcars, as well
as the first to bottle beer extensively. These technological innovations allowed him to produce a higher-quality
beer more efficiently and to market it throughout the country in an era when most brewers kept their focus local.
In 1876, Busch introduced Budweiser, America’s first national beer brand. Michelob, a brand marketed as a “connoisseur’s” beer, was developed in 1896.
August A. Busch Sr. (1865-1934), the son of Adolphus Busch, led the brewery through Prohibition with a focus on keeping
his workers employed and the company solvent. He introduced new products, including soft drinks, ice cream, baker’s
yeast, refrigerated cabinets, and auto and truck bodies. Upon the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the company quickly
shifted back to its core business: beer.
Within a year of repeal, Busch Sr. died and his eldest son, Adolphus Busch III (1891- 1946), succeeded him. The company continued to grow while also becoming the nation’s leading producer of compressed baker’s yeast.
In 1946, August A. Busch Jr. (1899- 1989) succeeded his brother as president of the company and for 25 years spearheaded
an expansion. A national network of eight regional breweries was constructed and annual sales increased to more than
34 million barrels. Busch beer made its debut, and corporate diversification added family entertainment, real estate
and can manufacturing to the business. In 1957, Anheuser-Busch regained industry leadership and Budweiser became the
country’s bestselling beer brand.
August A.
Busch III (1937-present) became the fourth generation of his family to lead the company when he was named president
in 1974 and CEO in 1975. Anheuser-Busch built three new breweries and acquired another; introduced many new beer brands;
and acquired SeaWorld, making Anheuser-Busch one of the largest theme park operators in the nation. The company also
opened new can and bottle manufacturing facilities and malt production plants and moved aggressively into the international
beer marketplace.
In 2002, Patrick T. Stokes succeeded August A. Busch III as president and CEO of Anheuser-Busch Cos., and August
A. Busch IV was named president of the domestic brewing company, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. Under this leadership structure,
the company continued to expand its international presence. August A. Busch IV became the fifth generation of his family
to lead the company when he was named CEO in 2006.