Dolf van den Brink has stepped down as CEO of Heineken N.V., effective February 1, 2026, as the brewer continues to grapple with declining global beer sales. The decision follows three consecutive quarters of negative volume growth and a 12% drop in underlying revenue in the 2025 fiscal year.
- Dolf van den Brink will step down as Heineken CEO on February 1, 2026.
- Heineken recorded a 12% drop in underlying revenue in 2025.
- Global beer volume sales declined 6.8% in 2025, with Europe down 8.2% and Asia-Pacific down 9.4%.
- Operating margin fell 3.9 percentage points to 18.7% in 2025.
- Market share in Western Europe declined from 15.1% in 2022 to 13.4% in 2025.
- Heineken’s shares dropped 2.3% following the CEO announcement.
Dolf van den Brink has officially announced his resignation as CEO of Heineken N.V., marking the end of a five-year tenure during which the company faced sustained challenges in its core beer business. His departure takes effect on February 1, 2026, with the board confirming that a successor will be named in due course. The move comes amid a broader strategic review focused on improving operational efficiency and revitalizing brand performance across key markets. Heineken reported a 12% decline in underlying revenue for the 2025 fiscal year, driven by a 6.8% drop in global beer volume sales. In Europe, volume fell by 8.2%, while Asia-Pacific recorded a 9.4% contraction, reflecting ongoing shifts in consumer preferences toward low-alcohol and non-alcoholic alternatives. The company also cited increased competitive pressure from regional brewers and rising input costs, which contributed to a 3.9% reduction in operating margin. The leadership change is expected to trigger a reassessment of Heineken’s long-term growth strategy, particularly its investment in premium brands and digital distribution. Analysts note that the company’s market share in Western Europe has declined to 13.4% in 2025, down from 15.1% in 2022, highlighting a persistent erosion in brand strength. The board emphasized the need for renewed focus on innovation and sustainability initiatives to restore momentum. Heineken’s shares dipped 2.3% in early trading following the announcement, reflecting investor concerns over near-term outlook and execution risks. The company’s board has indicated that the transition will be managed with minimal disruption, and that financial targets for 2026 remain unchanged. The shift in leadership underscores the growing pressure on traditional beer producers to adapt to evolving consumer behavior and economic headwinds.