Van den Brink, who has been CEO and chairman of the board since June 1, 2020, has decided in consultation with the Supervisory Board that this is the right time to pass leadership to a successor. He emphasizes that Heineken is entering a new chapter after a period of transformation and that the company will benefit from a new face at the top.
Why is he leaving now?
According to Van den Brink, Heineken has reached a stage where a leadership change serves the company best, as the strategic direction towards EverGreen 2030 needs to be implemented. He will remain fully focused on executing the ongoing plans until May and will stay connected as an advisor for some time afterward to ensure a smooth transition.
Successes and challenges
Under his leadership, Heineken has navigated a challenging period, during which the global beer market was under pressure from changing consumer habits, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical challenges - oh yes, and a pandemic. The management of Heineken has now started a search for a new CEO but has not yet announced a successor.
International media report that the beer market in many regions is struggling with recent figures showing declining volumes, pressure from premium brands, and a focus on non-alcoholic variants. Van den Brink himself stated that the past years have been marked by significant changes, in which Heineken had to adapt to remain future-proof.
Responses from the company
The Supervisory Board expresses appreciation for Van den Brink's leadership and commitment to the brewer. A statement emphasizes that his contribution has laid the foundation for the next strategic phase of the company. The search for a new CEO has now officially begun.
A new CEO for Heineken
The departure of a CEO is always a notable moment for a multinational like Heineken, which operates in more than 190 countries and has thousands of employees worldwide. Investors and analysts will closely monitor the succession processes and the progress of the strategy.
