Heineken announced on Wednesday that it will eliminate between 5,000 and 6,000 positions over the next two years, citing "difficult market conditions" in the global beer sector.
In a press release, the Dutch brewer explained that it will "accelerate large‑scale productivity improvements to achieve significant cost savings," which translates into the planned workforce reduction.
CEO Dolf van den Brink added that the company remains cautious about short‑term beer‑market outlooks. He also revealed that he will step down after nearly six years at the helm, a surprise that was first hinted at in January.
During a media call, van den Brink described his departure as “a mixed‑feelings moment,” acknowledging that he guided Heineken through a turbulent economic and political period.
Heineken, the world’s second‑largest brewer after AB InBev, reported a 2.4% decline in total beer volumes for 2025, with the drop felt most strongly across Europe and the Americas.
Looking ahead to 2026, the company is targeting an operating profit margin between 2% and 6% while continuing to streamline its global operations.
Headquartered in Amsterdam, Heineken employs roughly 87,000 people worldwide, making the announced cuts a significant reshaping of its workforce.