Looks like there’s going to be a new face at the wheel of the good ship Philly Beer Week when it pulls back into port in May with 2014’s edition of the 10-day beer bust.

One of the key players behind PBW’s creation and rise to success, Don Russell, aka Joe Sixpack, has reportedly left his post as executive director. Citypaper’s Caroline Russock dropped the doozy on Tuesday, saying that Russell was out, but not much more.

Philly.com’s Danya Henninger followed up on Wednesday, reporting that the split is the result over a disagreement between Russell and the organization over salary. William Reed who sits on PBW’s board of directors and owns Standard Tap and Johnny Brendas, had the following to say about the matter:

“Philly Beer Week is the work of many people, and Don was always a big part of the leadership and vision. His role of Executive Director was the sole paid position of what’s essentially a grassroots, volunteer-run organization.

The board of directors and Don couldn’t agree on fair compensation for the coming year and I believe Don felt his work undervalued.

It’s a big loss to us at PBW. Don has been a friend to most of us on the board for many years. He’s earned my respect and admiration on a professional level and I’m sorry to see him resign.”

You can count us in with those who are sorry to see him go. There’s no word yet on who will take over the executive director role. Here’s hoping PBW finds someone who is just as dedicated to the cause as Russell has been for the past seven years.

Photo: joesixpack.net