Heineken CEO to Step Down at the End of May
Dolf van den Brink, CEO of Heineken N.V., has informed the supervisory board of his decision to step down on May 31, 2026, according to a statement released by the company this Monday. After nearly six years at the helm of the Dutch brewer, he will remain available as an advisor for eight months starting June 1, 2026.
Decision Made in Consultation with the Supervisory Board
Dolf van den Brink, who also serves as the chairman of the board of directors, made this decision in consultation with the supervisory board, the company states. The executive, who has more than 28 years of tenure with the group, believes that the time is right to hand over his responsibilities now that the EverGreen 2030 strategy is in place. According to the statement, he has steered the group through a period marked by significant economic and political turbulence. The supervisory board has initiated a search process to appoint his successor.
Focused on Strategy Execution and Smooth Transition
According to the group, Dolf van den Brink will remain fully focused on the disciplined execution of the strategy in the coming months and will ensure a smooth transition. Peter Wennink, chairman of the supervisory board, highlights in the statement that the outgoing leader successfully implemented the EverGreen 2025 strategy while navigating a challenging external environment. The supervisory board believes that this transition period is the right time to start the succession process to ensure strong leadership for the future. The next phase will focus on implementing the EverGreen 2030 strategy through the execution of strategic growth ambitions, the statement specifies.
Advisor Role to Benefit Company Transition
To allow the company to benefit from his industry experience and deep knowledge of Heineken, Dolf van den Brink has agreed to remain available as an advisor for a period of eight months starting June 1, 2026, the group indicates. This arrangement aims to facilitate the handover of responsibilities and to support the new management in continuing the long-term strategy. The supervisory board expresses its gratitude for the executive's long-standing commitment and his contribution to shaping a strategy for the future of the Dutch brewer.
