Heineken’s CEO, Dolf van den Brink, has resigned unexpectedly after six years at the helm of the Dutch brewing giant, Reuters reports. His departure comes just months after the company unveiled a new strategy covering operations until 2030, as the global beer industry struggles to revive sales and navigate economic pressures.
Van den Brink, who became CEO in June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, presided over a period marked by rising costs, falling sales, and margin pressures that affected both profitability and shareholder returns.
The Heineken board announced that it will begin a search for a successor to lead the brewer, which produces Heineken lager, Tiger, Amstel, and other global brands. Van den Brink will officially step down on May 31 but has agreed to remain available as an advisor for eight months from June to ensure a smooth transition.
In a statement, van den Brink said: “Heineken has reached a stage where a transition in leadership will best serve the company in further executing its long-term ambitions. I remain fully focused on executing the strategy until my departure.” He and the chairman of the supervisory board, Peter Wennink, emphasised that now is the right moment for a leadership change.
Shares of Heineken fell 2% at 0849 GMT following the announcement.
Van den Brink is the latest in a wave of consumer company CEOs departing after a difficult few years for the sector, as rising costs of living and economic uncertainty have weighed on consumer spending. Brewers have struggled to boost beer sales, with adverse factors ranging from bad weather to political instability impacting performance. Heineken has also lagged behind competitors in cost efficiency and investor returns.
The incoming CEO will face the challenge of delivering on Heineken’s 2030 strategy, which aims to refocus resources on select brands and markets while meeting sales, profit, and cost-saving targets. Other headwinds include global economic volatility, emerging competitors, changing drinking habits among younger consumers, and potential impacts from weight-loss drugs on food and beverage consumption.
During van den Brink’s tenure, Heineken navigated disruptions in key growth markets such as Nigeria and Vietnam, executed acquisitions in India and South Africa, and undertook major restructuring. The company also faced challenges like the 2025 pricing dispute with European retailers, which saw its products removed from some shelves.
Heineken’s leadership transition underscores the broader challenges facing global brewers as they seek to adapt to shifting consumer trends and volatile economic conditions.
