Chris Cramer and his business partner, Matt Rattner, pioneered San Diego’s craft beer industry in 1989 when they opened Karl Strauss Brewing Company, the city’s first new brewery in more than 50 years. Chris is a community activist who personally championed many business and legislative reforms that helped pave the way for San Diego to become the world’s capital for craft beer. Chris has held a variety of leadership roles in the company including serving as president from its founding in 1988 until 2004. He currently serves as CEO and is focused on defining long-term strategies for growth and identifying growth opportunities and resources for the company.