Jean-François van Boxmeer, a Heineken veteran with a professional practice of more than 30 years with the Dutch brewer, will be reappointed as chairman of the executive board and chief executive officer (CEO) for the next 4 years at Heineken’s annual general shareholders' meeting in April.
The 55 year old Belgian, who is holding this position already since 2005, will then start his fourth term as CEO. After completion he will have served 16 years as CEO and comes close to legendary Freddy Heineken, who held this position for 18 years from 1971 until 1989.
Industry observers interpret the nomination as a strong sign of continuity in view of new challenges in the market after the $100 billion-plus take-over of SAB Miller by rival AB InBev. The new AB InBev has a global market share of 27%, which is three times of new number two brewer, Heineken with 9%. Third comes Danish brewing group Carlsberg with 6%.
