Heineken has confirmed that the search for a successor to CEO Dolf van den Brink, Chief Executive Officer of Heineken, is entering its final phase, with a decision expected in the near future. The announcement comes as van den Brink prepares to step down on May 31 after six years as CEO and nearly three decades with the company (inside.beer, 12.1.2026)
The brewer said the selection process being conducted by the Supervisory Board is progressing well. However, despite the imminent departure of the current CEO, the company has not yet disclosed the identity of his successor.
According to the latest update, Chief Financial Officer Harold van den Broek, CFO of Heineken, will temporarily become the sole member of the Executive Board. No interim CEO will be appointed before the new Chief Executive Officer takes office.
Peter Wennink, Chairman of Heineken's Supervisory Board, declined to comment on reports or market speculation regarding potential candidates, stating that any discussion of names remains speculative until an official announcement is made.
Van den Brink announced his departure in January following discussions with the Supervisory Board. At the time, the company said the leadership transition was taking place at an appropriate moment, with the foundations of its EverGreen 2030 strategy already established. To ensure continuity, van den Brink will remain available to the company in an advisory role for eight months after leaving office.
The incoming CEO will take charge at a time when global brewers are facing continued pressure from changing consumer preferences, weaker beer demand in several markets and ongoing cost inflation. Heineken's next leader will be responsible for continuing the implementation of the company's EverGreen 2030 strategy while navigating an increasingly challenging market environment.
Market observers view the leadership transition against the backdrop of growing investor concerns over Heineken's recent performance. While revenue growth was supported by price increases, beer volumes declined in several key markets and the company was forced to lower volume expectations on multiple occasions. Analysts have also pointed to weaker momentum in the alcohol-free segment, including the flagship Heineken 0.0 brand, as well as tensions with major retail chains following significant price increases introduced to offset inflation. In addition, Heineken's share price performance and total shareholder returns have lagged behind major brewing rivals such as AB InBev and Carlsberg during van den Brink's tenure. Although the company has not linked the CEO transition to business performance, investors will be looking to the incoming leader to improve growth, strengthen profitability and deliver on the ambitious objectives of the company's EverGreen 2030 strategy.
The delayed announcement of a successor has attracted significant investor attention, making the leadership transition one of the most closely watched developments at the company this year.
