American Beverage Association Announces Keane as New President & CEO

The American Beverage Association (ABA) has announced that Kevin Keane, a longtime member of the beverage industry’s leadership team, has been named its new president and chief executive officer.

Keane will provide day-to-day leadership and management of the industry trade group to advance its strategic priorities, working in close partnership with AB’s full team and the AB Board leadership.

“It is an honor to lead the trade association for iconic American companies deeply dedicated to the people and communities they serve across the country and globe,” said Keane. “I am equally proud to lead a dynamic and talented AB team that continually sets a high bar addressing public affairs issues in a collaborative and substantive manner for our members. 

“Having worked in the beverage industry for nearly 20 years, I know how hard our companies strive to be a unifying force in helping address public policy issues that people care about in ways that matter to them. Their unwavering commitment to better way solutions to tough challenges delivers meaningful results that lift communities and bring people together. We look forward to helping build an even stronger future.” 

Keane has served as president and CEO on an interim basis since his predecessor, Katherine Lugar, departed in March for Hilton as executive vice president of corporate affairs.

“Kevin has an exceptional depth of knowledge and experience to bring to bear in this role, and we are fortunate to have his leadership and insights to guide the association,” said Matthew Dent, chair of the AB Board of Directors and president and CEO of Buffalo Rock Co., a longtime Pepsi bottling operation based in Birmingham, AL.

“Throughout his time at American Beverage we have made great strides in areas Americans care about including improving our environmental sustainability practices, promoting balanced lifestyles and advancing our broader leadership efforts,” said Dent. “We look forward to Kevin’s continued leadership as our new president and CEO of American Beverage.”

Keane has served on the leadership team of American Beverage since 2005 and has overseen a wide range of industry initiatives while managing a team in Washington, D.C., and in states across the country. Prior to his appointment as president and CEO, Keane served as executive vice president of the Government and Public Affairs Department for the association. 

Before joining American Beverage, Keane served as the assistant secretary for public affairs at the US Department of Health and Human Services under Secretary Tommy G. Thompson. Keane was Thompson’s deputy chief of staff and communications director when he was governor of Wisconsin.