Heineken USA announces new President and CEO
After Andy Thomas, who has been with Heineken USA for 12 years, had been forced to take his hat, Heineken named Don Blaustein President and CEO of Heineken USA.
It’s a tough world out there. When Jean-Francois van Boxmeer, Heineken’s CEO, admitted in August, while presenting Heineken’s half-year results, that Heineken Premium Light, which was launched in the U.S. two years ago, increased its sales 30 percent to 400,000 hl yet still missed the self-set target of one million hl, everybody knew that the writing was on the wall for Andy Thomas.
Moreover, since Mr Thomas, who has been with Heineken USA for 12 years and until recently was its President and CEO, had to also take responsibility for the recent decline of Amstel Light.
Forget all talk about the non-cannibalisation of the two brands. Heineken said that Amstel Light during the first six months of this year declined 9.5 percent. No matter how successful Heineken Premium Light’s launch may have been, it cannot offset the heavy losses Amstel Light has had to suffer.
Whether Mr Thomas chose his departure voluntarily or was shown the door - Massimo von Wunster, Regional President Heineken Americas commented that ‘Andy’s decision was clearly not easy, but we both agree it is the right one. Over 12 years with Heineken, Andy has made a valuable contribution in each of his roles. In his most recent two years with Heineken USA, his leadership of the Heineken Premium Light launch and the negotiation of the ten-year agreement with FEMSA are important milestones for the business. He leaves Heineken USA performing strongly and with a great platform for future growth.
Mr Thomas will be replaced by Don Blaustein, who joined Heineken USA two years ago.
Andy Thomas said: ‘This decision has been difficult for me. However, it has gradually become apparent that the company and I do not share exactly the same perspectives on the business. We have therefore mutually and amicably concluded that this is the best way forward. I know that Heineken USA will continue to enjoy success and I look forward to starting a new stage in my career.’
