People on the Move
NATIONAL REPORT -- Kum & Go President and CEO Kyle Krause was inducted as a new member of the United Soccer League (USL) Hall of Fame. As the majority owner of the Des Moines Menace soccer team, Krause joins the Hall of Fame's list of "Builders:" individuals who have successfully elevated the sport of soccer during the 25-year history of the league.
"Personally, I have to admit I was surprised when I heard the news that I was part of this Hall of Fame class," said Krause, who spoke briefly at the induction ceremony. "I'm honored to be selected, but this is really an honor for the Menace organization to be recognized."
The Menace has qualified for the USL Premier Development League's playoffs eight times since Krause purchased majority ownership in 1998, winning the league title in 2005, and has made six appearances in the Lamer Hunt U.S. Open Cup. It also has consistently led the league in attendance.
Krause was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Dec. 16 during the USL Hall of Fame and Awards Dinner, held at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa in Clearwater, Fla.
"It's a passion for the game, providing fans in central Iowa with high-level soccer," said Krause. "We provide positive, family-friendly entertainment for our community. Having a great fan base, their support has allowed the Menace to be so successful. The quality of play we have is something our young soccer players can see first-hand, and something they can aspire to reach."
In other people news:
Western Refining
Western Refining Inc. appointed Sigmund L. Cornelius as the ninth member of its board of directors, effective Jan. 3. He will serve on the board's Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees.
Cornelius previously served as senior vice president, finance, and CFO of ConocoPhillips from 2008 until his retirement in 2011. During his 30 years with ConocoPhillips, Cornelius held roles such as senior vice president, planning, strategy and corporate affairs; regional president, exploration and production, Lower 48; and president, Global Gas. He is also a director of USEC Inc., Carbo Ceramics Inc., NiSource Inc. and Parallel Energy Trust.
"We are honored that Sig has agreed to join our board of directors," said Jeff Stevens, president and CEO of Western Refining. "He has a broad knowledge of business and finance, and brings a wealth of experience in the oil and gas industry. He will be a valuable addition to the board."
Heineken USA
Jeffrey Colbert was appointed as Heineken USA's vice president of sales, Central Region. He will report to Scott Blazek, senior vice president of sales, and be responsible for establishing Central Region objectives, strategies and tactics, guiding account planning, overseeing relationships with Heineken distributor partners and key regional accounts, and assessing and improving the effectiveness of retail executions that support brand development to ensure delivery of company objectives.
"Jeff brings a strong history of leadership and success in the beverage industry to the Heineken USA sales management team," said Blazek. "We are thrilled to welcome him to the helm of our Central Region, where he will lead a team of more than 80 sales and marketing professionals to drive business results and establish a success-oriented culture in the region."
Colbert most recently served as senior vice president of sales and marketing at the Tenth & Blake Beer Co. His 26 years of experience with sales and marketing includes past roles such as region vice president, Southwest for MillerCoors; area vice president, South Central Region for Coors Brewing Co.; region vice president, Southern Region for MolsonCoors; and general manager, Southwest Region for the Miller Brewing Co.
Before joining the beer industry, he held sales and general management positions with Coca-Cola Enterprises in Massachusetts. Colbert graduated from the University of New Hampshire, Whittemore School of Business and Economics.
Anheuser-Busch
Blaise D'Sylva joins Anheuser-Busch as vice president, media, sports and entertainment marketing, as of Jan. 16. He will oversee the planning, negotiating and activation of Anheuser-Busch's major investments in national, local and digital media, plus premier sports marketing properties such as the NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball and more.
"Blaise brings a combination of strategic, analytical and entrepreneurial qualities needed to expand the capabilities of Anheuser-Busch in today's media landscape," said Paul Chibe, vice president of U.S. Marketing. "We're excited about Blaise's potential as a leader to move our company forward quickly."
D'Sylva's most recent position was senior director, sales manager at ESPN. He has also served as director of media integration for Allstate Insurance Co. and spent nine years with Starcom MediaVest Group in positions such as vice president, media director and senior vice president and chief executive, northeast Asia. He holds a bachelor's degree in communications and advertising from Washington State University and a master's degree in communications and advertising from the University of Illinois.