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Yakima Chief Hops Welcomes New Board Chair to Lead Next Chapter of Growth
May 12, 2025
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Yakima, WA: Yakima Chief Hops (YCH), a 100% grower-owned global hop supplier, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Riel as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. A longtime community member and owner of Double ‘R’ Hop Ranches, Riel brings a wealth of Board experience, industry knowledge, and a shared passion for sustainability, innovation, and community impact.
As Chair, Riel will help lead the board in its mission to support YCH’s strategic goals and uphold its core values as a grower-owned organization. Riel is both a respected grower and one of the most accomplished board directors in U.S. agriculture, having served eight years on the Board for CoBank (the last four years as Chair), recently joining Farmer Mac, and earning his NACD Directorship Certification. With five years of service on the board, including as Chair of the Governance Committee, Riel’s experience and deep industry insight uniquely position him to guide the grower-owned company into its next chapter.
Riel steps into the role of Chair following Mike Smith’s impactful five-year tenure. He expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity to succeed Smith in this critical role. “It has been very exciting to watch the YCH Board Governance model mature over the last several years, and it’s my goal to continue on this path,” he said. “I see the YCH model as truly unique. We have very talented people working alongside some of the best growers in the industry to serve our brewing customers. I look forward to collaborating with the Board and management to continue to improve the whole YCH organization.”
Smith is one of YCH’s founders, and under his leadership, the board achieved several key milestones, including successfully onboarding a new CEO and two outside directors. This cohesion helped to elevate the company’s global leadership in hop supply by setting new benchmarks in quality, transparency, and responsible business practices. His dedication helped earn YCH prestigious national recognition as Private Company Board of the Year by Directors & Boards. With a thoughtful succession plan developed together, Riel will incorporate his board experience and expertise into the role, positioning YCH to reach new heights in governance rarely seen in agriculture.
Reflecting on his 35-year journey with Yakima Chief Hops, Smith described his involvement as the pinnacle of his professional career. “What began as an idea to improve the system for growers became a decades-long journey of resilience, pride, and purpose,” he said, speaking to his path from co-founder to Board Chair. “All organizations must evolve, and that evolution depends on new voices and fresh leadership. I am thrilled that Kevin is stepping in as Chair. I couldn’t be more confident in him or the strength of this board. It’s time for the next generation of leadership to guide YCH forward, and that starts with the last remaining founding member stepping aside to make room.”
YCH Chief Executive Officer Ryan Hopkins expressed his enthusiasm for Riel’s election as Board Chair, stating, “Yakima Chief Hops has always punched above its weight, thanks to the strength of our Board of Directors.” Highlighting Riel’s impressive track record in board leadership, Hopkins added, “With Kevin Riel stepping into the chair seat, we’ve added one of agriculture’s most respected board leaders to the helm. His expertise amplifies our Mission of connecting the world's finest brewers with family hop farms. Kevin’s formal leadership position will also allow YCH the expertise we need to accomplish our Vision, which is to be the global hop supplier of choice.” With his background in hop farming and business leadership, Riel brings expertise and heart to the role, embodying YCH’s commitment to its growers, employees, and brewing partners.
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Yakima Chief Hops
YCH is a 100% grower-owned global hop supplier with a mission to connect the world’s finest brewers with family hop farms. Operating for over 30 years, we have become leaders in innovation, quality, and customer service. We are a resource for brewers, providing industry-leading research and products. We are advocates of sustainability and meaningful social causes, working to support the communities around us. https://www.yakimachief.com/
Contact:
Bryan Pierce
Chief Sales and Marketing Officer