Heineken has named Rafael Oliveira, chief executive of JDE Peet’s, as its next chair of the executive board and CEO.
Oliveira is expected to take up the role on 1 October 2026, subject to shareholder approval at general meeting on 5 August. If approved, he will be appointed for a four-year term.
He has led JDE Peet’s since 2024. Following Keurig Dr Pepper’s (KDP) acquisition of the coffee and tea company, Oliveira was appointed to lead KDP’s planned Global Coffee Co, a new public traded business combining its coffee operations with JDE Peet’s.
In a separate announcement, KDP said Oliveira had informed the company of his intention to leave at the end of July for an external chief executive opportunity. The company has opened a search process for the future CEO of Global Coffee Co, with Pamela Patsley, chair of KDP’s board and chair of its nominating and governance committee, leading the search.
KDP CEO Tim Cofer will continue to oversee the coffee business in the interim, working with the Coffee Operating Unit leadership team as the company progresses its integration of JDE Peet’s and planned separation into Beverage Co and Global Coffee Co, targeted for early 2027.
Peter Wennink, chair of Heineken’s supervisory board, said Oliveira’s experience in global consumer goods would support the brewer’s EverGreen 2030 strategy.
“He combines strategic clarity with operational rigour and strong people leadership to deliver superior results,” Wennink said. “The supervisory board is confident that his energy and strategic acumen will accelerate the execution of the company’s EverGreen 2030 strategic agenda and create sustainable value for all our stakeholders.”
Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, owner of a controlling interest in Heineken, also backed the nomination, saying Oliveira’s ability to turn strategy into “disciplined execution” and his leadership experience made him well suited to the role.
Oliveira said he was “honoured and excited” to join Heineken, adding that the company’s EverGreen 2030 strategy provided “a powerful platform for the future”.
“I look forward to building on that momentum while bringing my own passion for performance, innovation and consumer focus,” he said. “I am confident we will accelerate growth, drive productivity and future-fit Heineken, winning the hearts of consumers worldwide.”
Heineken said its executive team will continue to lead the business until Oliveira joins the company.
by Rafaela Sousa
Source: foodbev.com
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