NETHERLANDS – Heineken has announced that Jean-François van Boxmeer will step down as the company’s Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO after 15 years of leadership of the Dutch brewer.
Following his departure, the Supervisory Board of Heineken has nominated the company’s President Asia Pacific region, Dolf van den Brink to succeed van Boxmeer as the Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO.
Heineken said that Dolf van den Brink will join the brewer’s Executive Board on 23 April 2020 while Mr. Van Boxmeer will hand over his responsibilities on 1 June 2020, to ensure a smooth transition.
Jean-François van Boxmeer joined Heineken as a management trainee in 1984, and after several international management positions, he was appointed member of the Executive Board in 2001.
He was then appointed as Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Heineken in 2005.
Under his stewardship, the company more than doubled in size due to both strong organic growth and transformational deals that turned Heineken into the most global brewer, with iconic brands enjoyed by consumers on all continents.
Jean-Marc Huët, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, commented: “The Supervisory Board is grateful for the extraordinary contribution of Jean-François van Boxmeer in bringing Heineken to where it is today.
“Not only did he deliver superior top-line growth and an excellent business performance, he also developed and nurtured a diverse and great talent pool across the world. He will leave behind a company excellently positioned to grow further.”
Jean-François van Boxmeer commented: “It has been a great privilege and honour to lead HEINEKEN and to work with so many great people from all over the world over the past three decades.
“I feel now is the right moment to hand over leadership to the next generation. 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. I look forward to work with Dolf in delivering a smooth transition.”
Dolf has been working with Heineken for 22 years and has successfully built high performing teams in both developed and developing markets.
He is currently a highly valued member of the Executive Team and successfully leads the Asia Pacific region as President. Heineken said that his successor will be announced in due course.
According to a statement from the brewer, Heineken Holding, a separate entity which owns 50% in Heineken will propose Jean-François van Boxmeer be appointed as a non-executive member of the Board of Directors on 1 June 2020.
Heineken has also announced the departure of Stefan Orlowski, currently President Europe. Stefan Orlowski will leave before the summer after working with the Dutch brewer for 22 years while his successor will be announced in due course.
