BBW’s ambassadors are here to help you and help you network. Send them a message about the events you are holding. They would love to hear from you. See below for bios of BBW’s ambassadors.
- International – Kris De Meester
- Brazil and South/Central Americas – Doug Merlo
- Hong Kong – Kenneth Ho
- Mexico – Edu Villegas
- Netherlands – Ferry Wijnhoven
- Paraguay – Francisco Montanaro
- Poland -Paweł Leszczyński
- United Kingdom – Paul Davies
Kris De Meester (International)
Kris De Meester –
We are delighted to introduce this legendary figure as the official International Ambassador for Belgium Beer Week. Kris is no ordinary globetrotter and successful entrepreneur – he’s our walking mix of punk rock energy, craft beer wisdom and international diplomacy (with a dash of heavy metal).
As a hard working representative of the Verbond van Belgische Ondernemingen , Kris has had the honour of traveling the world for decades, spreading the gospel of Belgian entrepreneurship and labor safety while rocking out to some serious headbanging tunes.
Outside his business life, his true passion lies in two outstanding things – craft beer and organising his own punk rock festival. Kris embodies everything that makes Belgian beer culture so special: innovation, craftsmanship and a healthy dose of rebellious spirit.
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Razernij
Douglas Merlo (Brazil and South/Central Americas)
Doug is an international beer judge and the founder of the World Beer Expedition. Previously he lived in Europe for eight years, where he became a mixologist and beer sommelier and worked in the field.
He was a professor at several beer education institutions, including the School of Beer and Malt, Science of Beer, Brau Akademie, Brazilian Beer Institute, SENAI, and SENAC. In 2018, he became the third Brazilian to receive one of the highest beer honours in the world – he was appointed a “Cavaleiro da Cerveja Belga” (Knight of Belgian Beer) by the Belgian Brewers Association.
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Linkedin
Instagram
Kenneth Ho (Hong Kong)
Kenneth is a passionate advocate for beer culture in the Asian regions and he holds membership in The British Guild of Beer Writers. Additionally, he serves as an instructor for the Professional Beer Brewing and Appreciation course at The University of Hong Kong School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE). With a wealth of experience in the field, Kenneth has organised numerous beer education events, authored a multitude of beer blog articles, and actively participated as a judge in beer competitions worldwide. He is the co-founder of Hong Kong Beer Geeks and board member of the Hong Kong Craft Beer Association. He is a judge at the 2025 China Beer Competition. His dedication and expertise have made him a valuable contributor to the promotion and advancement of beer appreciation.
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LinkedIn
Edu Villegas (Mexico)
Edu is dedicated to elevating Mexico’s beer scene beyond “just add lime”. Edu created International Beersommelier Day (mark your calendars beer nerds!) and runs Academia Mexicana de Enogastronomia with rockstar swagger. This Doemens/UBT ambassador juggles international beer judging, brewing, consulting and media appearances while proving beer matches wine in sophistication but crushes it in the fun department. When Edu talks beer, even wine snobs shut up and listen.
Facebook
Instagram
Ferry Wijnhoven (Netherlands)
Ferry is founder of the Beer Geeks Facebook group in the Netherlands. He started his adventures in beer when around 2009/2010, the legendary show ‘Tournée Générale’ aired on television, with presenter Ray Cokes (whom we remember from his time at MTV): two guys in an old van traveling through the Belgian countryside in search of the best beers.
He was hooked and soon after decided to start a Facebook group with some friends to share our beer discoveries. That’s how it snowballed from 20 members in the Beer Geeks Facebook group (October 2013) to more than 17,000 today.
He is an international beer sommelier, judge for the Brussels Beer Challenge, and organises an annual charity event to brew a beer with as many breweries as possible. He runs his own business hosting beer tastings, among other things.
Facebook: Beer Geeks
Francisco Montanaro (Paraguay)
Paraguay’s beer wizard Francisco isn’t just running Simón Dice Cerveza Artesanal – he’s our walking beer encyclopedia with freakish flavor-detection skills.
This three-time AcervaPY President spreads the good beer gospel with religious fervor.
Between directing Copa Guarani de Cervezas and judging world-class competitions, he somehow finds time to school future beer geeks at his co-founded Beer School.
Francisco’s impressive certification collection (BJCP, Doemens, Cicerone) isn’t just wall decoration – it’s his beer love story in paper form.
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LinkedIn: AcervaPY
Linkedin: Francisco
Instagram
Paweł Leszczyński (Poland)
Paweł is co-founder of the Warsaw Beer Festival, Poland’s largest showcase of beer, held twice a year, and is a powerhouse promoter of craft beer in general.
Paweł also founded the Polish craft association Wolny Kraft He says ‘There is a common language in this world we call craft beer. And that is based on a love of creating a quality product that people can enjoy.
It’s why we do what we do, and why we continue to do so.’ We can readily high five this sentiment.
Facebook.com
Warsaw Beer Festival
Wolnykraft
Paul Davies (United Kingdom)
Paul is the founder of AleHunters Brewery Tours. He hosts tours of London’s craft breweries and iconic pubs plus taking thirsty enthusiasts to Belgium’s best breweries and beer festivals. An Accredited Beer Sommelier and Certified Ciceron Paul presents tutored beer tastings and sensory training sessions. He is also an international beer judge. When he has time he writes articles about beer for the Brewers Journal and can sometimes be found representing breweries at trade events. He likes to hang out in Brugge when he has time off from his schedule.
LinkedIn: Paul Davies
Facebook: Ale Hunters
www.alehunters.co.uk