Van den Brink took on the reins of the world’s second largest brewer from Jean-Francois van Boxmeer in June 2020: steering the company through the challenges and disruption posed by the pandemic.
But the Dutch heavyweight has struggled with a sluggish beer market, with increased investor pressure to see results.
In a statement released this morning, Heineken said: “Dolf has concluded, in consultation with the Supervisory Board, that this is the right time to hand over his responsibilities.
“The Supervisory Board respects Dolf’s decision and will now initiate a search process to appoint a successor.”
Van den Brink, who is also chairman of Heineken’s executive board, will remain in an advisory capacity at the company for eight months after he steps down.
Heineken is not the only beverage giant at a time of change: Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey will hand over the reins of the company to Henrique Braun in March; while former Tesco chief Sir Dave Lewis has just become the new CEO of Diageo after Debra Crew stepped down last year.
After six years as CEO and more than 28 years at Heineken, I believe this is the right moment to transition leadership as the Company prepares for the next phase of the EverGreen strategy.
The past years have been marked by significant change as Heineken progressed through its transformation and has now reached a stage where a transition in leadership will best serve the Company in further executing its long-term ambitions.”
Dolf Van Den Brink, CEO, Heineken
Profit guidance lowered
Headquartered in Amsterdam, the 150 year-old brewer claims a larger global presence than any other brewer: with sales in 190 countries and 85,000 employees around the world.
It is the top brewer in Europe and the #2 globally.
As beer volumes around the world struggle, Heineken managed to come out of FY2024 with volumes up 1.6% and revenue up 5%.
But in its latest trading update in October, Heineken warned that FY2025 would be a difficult year: with ongoing macroeconomic volatility impacting consumer spending; global inflationary pressures; and currency devaluations in relation to a stronger euro.
It warned that volumes were expected to decline modestly for 2025, while profits were expected to be at the lower end of guidance.
Heineken’s EverGreen Strategy 2030, launched in 2021, sets out the company’s strategy to future proof the business.
That includes a focus on premiumization and brand Heineken: premium beer volumes grew 5% and brand Heineken grew 9% in FY2024, against the backdrop of 1.6% volume growth overall.
That’s alongside expanding its business in alcohol-free products and products beyond beer such as cider and soft drinks.
In the last few years, the company has invested in brands such as Tenzing natural energy and Ellie Goulding’s RTD brand Served.
Heineken's five key priorities
- Focus on premiumization, led by brand Heineken and a portfolio of global and local brands
- Investments in innovation, brand power and digital transformation
- Implement sustainability and responsibility at scale via the Brew a Better World 2030 strategy
- Invest in digital transformation
- Raise the bar on talent and performance management
Heineken will report its FY2025 on February 11.
