Heineken CEO Dolf van den Brink resigns after six years

Heineken CEO Dolf van den Brink resigned unexpectedly on Monday, stepping down after six years leading the Dutch brewer. He will officially leave on May 31, but has agreed to stay on as an advisor until February 2027 (eight months from June). The resignation comes just months after Heineken set its new strategy through 2030.

Van den Brink took over in June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and presided over falling beer sales, cost inflation, and reduced margins. The company has struggled with efficiency and investor returns compared to peers. Heineken shares dropped 2% following the announcement.

Whoever replaces him faces pressure to deliver on 2030 targets while navigating political uncertainty, rising competition, weight-loss drugs affecting drink sales, and shifting attitudes among younger drinkers. The new CEO must refocus resources on key brands and markets while cutting costs.

Van den Brink's tenure included managing disruptions in Nigeria and Vietnam, a 2025 pricing dispute with European retailers that removed Heineken brands from some shelves, major acquisitions in India and South Africa, and restructuring efforts. The board says now is the right moment for new leadership to execute long-term ambitions.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/01/12/heineken-ceo-dolf-van-den-brink-resigns/