NewsGlobalHeineken CEO Dolf van den Brink to Step Down in May 2026 Following Profitability WarningHeineken CEO Dolf van den Brink to Step Down in May 2026 Following Profitability Warning
Heineken CEO Dolf van den Brink will resign on 31 May 2026 after six years of leadership, with the company beginning succession planning while van den Brink remains as advisor for eight months. The resignation follows October 2025 profitability warnings due to weaker European and American market performance, with adjusted operating profit growth expected at the lower end of the 4% to 8% range and modest volume declines anticipated.
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Dutch beer maker Heineken NV announced on 12 January 2026 that Chief Executive Officer Dolf van den Brink will step down from his position after six years of leading the global brewing giant. The resignation comes amid challenging market conditions that have affected the company's profitability outlook.
Leadership Transition Details
Van den Brink will officially step down on 31 May 2026, marking the end of his tenure that began in 2020. The CEO cited strategic timing as a key factor in his decision to resign.
| Parameter: | Details |
|---|---|
| Resignation Date: | 31 May 2026 |
| Years of Service: | 6 years |
| Advisory Period: | 8 months (starting 1 June 2026) |
| Announcement Date: | 12 January 2026 |
"I believe this is the right moment to transition leadership as the Company prepares for the next phase of the EverGreen strategy. The past years have been marked by significant change as HEINEKEN progressed through its transformation and has now reached a stage where a transition in leadership will best serve the Company in further executing its long-term ambitions," van den Brink stated in the official announcement.
Succession Planning Process
Heineken has initiated a formal process to identify van den Brink's successor. The company has structured the transition to ensure continuity of leadership and strategic direction. Van den Brink will remain available as an advisor for eight months starting 1 June 2026, providing the company access to his industry experience and institutional knowledge.
Peter Wennink, Chairman of the Heineken Board, emphasized the strategic nature of the timing: "The next phase will focus on bringing this strategy to life through disciplined execution of our strategic growth ambitions. With this in mind, the Supervisory Board agrees this is the right moment to start the succession process to secure strong leadership for the future."
Market Challenges and Profitability Warning
The leadership change follows significant market headwinds that prompted Heineken to issue a profitability warning in October 2025. The company warned investors that annual profit would be lower than expected due to weaker growth in European and American markets, reflecting broader challenges facing the global brewing industry.
| Financial Outlook: | October 2025 Guidance |
|---|---|
| Adjusted Operating Profit Growth: | Lower end of 4% to 8% range |
| Volume Expectation: | Modest decline |
| Previous Volume Guidance: | Stable |
| Affected Markets: | Europe and Americas |
The company revised its volume expectations, anticipating modest declines despite previously projecting stable volumes. This adjustment reflects shifting consumer drinking trends that have impacted the global brewing industry.
Strategic Refocus
In response to market challenges, Heineken announced strategic adjustments during its capital markets day in October 2025. The company, which manufactures brands including Tecate and Amstel alongside its flagship Heineken brand, plans to concentrate growth efforts on 17 key markets while reducing investment in some of its other brands. This strategic refocus represents an effort to optimize resource allocation amid changing market dynamics and consumer preferences.
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