Heineken CEO to step down
Van den Brink, who is currently president Asia-Pacific region and executive team member, will take over his responsibilities from current Heineken CEO Jean-François van Boxmeer, who steps down after 15 years at the helm.
Van den Brink has worked for Heineken for 22 years. According to the Amsterdam-based brewer he has successfully built “high-performing teams” in both developed and developing markets.
He will be appointed as a member of the executive board at the company’s annual general meeting of shareholders on 23 April 2020.
Volume sales
The news comes as Heineken revealed its best volume sales in over a decade, up 8.3%, with more than 40 countries delivering double-digit growth. Net revenue saw organic growth rise by 5.6% and net revenue per hectolitre increase by 3.3%. The company said it had continued its strong performance in the second half, with growth driven by robust pricing and a focus on premiumisation.
“The supervisory board conducted a thorough succession process and is very happy to unanimously nominate Dolf van den Brink as the new chairman of the executive board and CEO of Heineken N.V,” said Jean-Marc Huët, chairman of the supervisory board.
Jean-François van Boxmeer said: “It is my absolute pleasure to be handing the helm to Dolf. His ability to lead teams, grow our brands and business, in a responsible way, is nothing short of impressive. I am certain that, under his leadership, the company is in the best of hands to continue to grow.”
Alcohol-free
Heineken added that its successful roll-out of its alcohol-free 0.0 beer brand meant it was now available in 57 markets.
It predicted operating profits to grow by mid-single digits on an organic basis during 2020, “barring major negative macro-economic and political developments”.
In recent brewery news, Harrogate-based Rooster’s Brewing Company invested £850k in a new brewery and taproom to meet demand for its range of craft beers.
