Heineken CEO to step down following falling beer sales

Heineken’s CEO and chairman of the executive board, Dolf van den Brink, will leave his role on 31 May 2026.

During his six years at the helm, he has guided the company through turbulent economic and political times, but believes now is the right time to hand over his responsibilities.

However, van den Brink has agreed to subsequently remain available in an advisory capacity for a period of eight months, starting on 1 June 2026. Heineken’s board will search for a successor in the meantime.

The brewery group unveiled an updated EverGreen 2030 strategic plan in October 2025 to accelerate growth despite the beer category’s current sluggish recovery from Covid and inflationary impacts.

Van den Brink said: “After six years as CEO and more than 28 years at Heineken, 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. Over the coming months, I remain fully focused on disciplined execution of our strategy and to ensure a smooth transition."

Peter Wennink, chairman of Heineken’s board, added: “The supervisory board is grateful to Dolf for his leadership and long-standing commitment to Heineken, including guiding the company through a demanding period of transformation, delivering on EverGreen 2025 while navigating a challenging external environment. With the launch of EverGreen 2030, Dolf has set out a compelling strategy for the future of Heineken, and the supervisory board greatly values his contribution.

“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.”

Heineken sales have been impacted by the falling popularity of beer, with beer volume organically down 4.3% for in Q3 2025 and decreasing 2.3% in the year to 22 October 2025. Overall Q3 revenue slid 4% to €8.7b (£7.5b).

In Europe, beer volume decreased organically by 4.7% in the same year to date period, with growth in the UK and Portugal more than offset by a decline in Poland, France and Italy. 

Heineken forecast its full year organic operating profit growth to be towards the lower end of its 4% to 8% guidance.

Last year, Heineken’s Star Pubs arm pledged to invest £40m across its UK community pub estate.