Heineken has appointed Romain Apert as its new chief digital & technology officer.
Apert, who will join Heineken’s executive team on 15 May 2026, replaces Ronald den Elzen. After 31 years at Heineken, den Elzen had “signalled his intent last year to pursue new career”, the brewer said.
Apert is currently chief information officer for petcare at Mars, having spent more than two decades at the US-based multinational manufacturer.
While at Mars, Apert had “led a multi‑year digitalisation‑at‑scale strategy, combining ERP modernisation, strong data foundations and capability building to support growth and productivity”, Heineken said.
An engineer by trade, Apert had vast international experience of working with “senior business leaders to translate strategy into tangible technology outcomes”, Heineken added.
His appointment comes with Heineken seeking to put AI at the forefront of its efforts to slim down its workforce and drive efficiency. Earlier this month, the Tiger brewer announced it was to cut between 5,000 and 6,000 jobs globally as it grapples with sluggish beer sales.
“I am delighted to welcome Romain to the Heineken family,” said Heineken CEO Dolf van den Brink. “He joins Heineken with deep international experience leading large-scale digital transformation, data and technology strategy, and complex change across global businesses.
“Romain will be partnering across the executive team, advancing Heineken EverGreen 2030 strategy through the further deployment of the company’s ‘Digital Backbone’, and scaling value from data and AI.
“He is known for combining operational rigour with practical innovation and a people‑centred leadership style, and is an excellent fit with the Heineken culture.”
Van den Brink is himself set to leave Heineken at the end of May this year, with a replacement yet to be confirmed by the brewer.
No comments yet