Heineken names new CEO after predecessor’s shock departure

Dutch brewing giant Heineken has selected Rafael Oliveira, formerly of coffee company JDE Peet's, as its new chief executive. The appointment, pending shareholder approval, follows the unexpected departure of Dolf van den Brink in January. Van den Brink stepped down after six years at the helm, during which the company experienced a "mixed performance" and a decline in beer sales.

Supervisory board chairman Peter Wennink expressed confidence in Oliveira's leadership, stating, "With Rafa at the helm, we look forward to building on Heineken’s strong foundations and continuing our journey of long-term, balanced growth." The company's recent performance has been challenging, with beer sales slipping nearly one percent in the first quarter of the year. Heineken attributed this decline to an "increasingly complex" economic climate and rising energy prices.

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With Rafa at the helm, we look forward to building on Heineken’s strong foundations and continuing our journey of long-term, balanced growth.

In response to these pressures, Heineken announced in February plans to cut up to 6,000 jobs globally. The new CEO, Oliveira, conveyed his optimism about the company's future, saying, "I am confident we will accelerate growth, drive productivity and future-fit Heineken, winning the hearts of consumers worldwide."

Oliveira's appointment signals a new chapter for Heineken as it navigates a difficult market. The company aims to leverage its established strengths while implementing strategic changes to stimulate growth and improve its financial performance under new leadership.

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I am confident we will accelerate growth, drive productivity and future-fit Heineken, winning the hearts of consumers worldwide.