Heineken appoints Guillaume Duverdier as new Regional President for Africa and Middle East 

Duverdier to lead Africa Middle East operations following a 25-year career across multiple global markets within Heineken.

MEA – Heineken N.V. has named Guillaume Duverdier as Regional President for Africa Middle East (AME), effective 1 July 2025.  

He will also join the Heineken Executive Team.  

Duverdier succeeds Roland Pirmez, who is retiring after nearly three decades with the company, including ten years as Regional President AME. 

Pirmez’s leadership spanned a period of significant volatility, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and major currency devaluations.  

His tenure also saw strategic milestones, including the 2022 acquisition of Distell and Namibia Breweries Limited, which led to the creation of Heineken Beverages in Southern Africa.  

Additionally, he oversaw the announcement of Heineken’s first major brewery in the Gulf region through the Sirocco Joint Venture. 

Guillaume, currently Managing Director of Heineken México, joined the company in 2000 and has held senior roles across diverse markets.  

His previous positions include Managing Director roles in Tunisia, Egypt, Poland, Spain, and Mexico—Heineken’s largest global operation. 

Throughout his 25-year tenure, Guillaume has consistently delivered strong business results across a range of market types and complexities. He is recognized for his commercial leadership and strategic execution. 

Since January 2022, Guillaume has led Heineken México, where he significantly improved financial performance and advanced key strategic initiatives.  

He expanded the company’s retail chain, Six, which now comprises 17,000 stores and serves as a pillar of Heineken México’s market strategy.  

He also championed digital transformation in sales and oversaw the launch of the Meoqui Can Factory, Heineken’s first can production facility, supporting vertical integration and operational efficiency. 

Dolf van den Brink, Heineken’s CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, praised Guillaume’s experience and leadership style, expressing confidence in a seamless transition for the AME region. 

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