Heineken has named Romain Apert as its new Chief Digital And Technology Officer, confirming his appointment as a member of the company’s Executive Team with effect from May 15, 2026. The move signals the brewer’s continued push to strengthen its global digital, data and technology capabilities as part of its long-term growth strategy.
Apert joins Heineken from Mars, where he currently serves as Chief Information Officer for Mars Petcare. His appointment follows the planned exit of Ronald den Elzen, who will step down after more than three decades with Heineken. Den Elzen had earlier announced his intention to leave the company to pursue new professional and personal development opportunities, remaining in role to support a structured transition.
Brandspur Brand News understands that Apert will be responsible for advancing Heineken’s global digital agenda, with a focus on strengthening core technology platforms, expanding the use of data and artificial intelligence, and embedding digital capabilities across the brewer’s operations. His remit will include overseeing enterprise systems, digital innovation, cybersecurity and data-driven decision-making across markets.
Apert brings over 20 years of experience in technology leadership and digital transformation within the food and consumer goods industry. At Mars, he held several senior global CIO roles and led major initiatives spanning enterprise resource planning modernisation, data platform development and large-scale capability building programmes designed to improve productivity and accelerate growth. He is also credited with championing AI-driven solutions and scaling digital tools across supply chain, commercial and consumer-facing functions.
Reacting to the appointment, Dolf van den Brink, Chairman of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer of Heineken, said Apert’s international experience and proven ability to lead complex digital change would be critical as the company continues to invest in its Digital Backbone. He noted that Apert’s leadership style and operational focus align strongly with Heineken’s culture and long-term ambitions.
Den Elzen’s departure marks the end of a career that spanned five countries and multiple leadership roles across finance, commercial operations, general management and digital transformation. Since becoming Heineken’s first Chief Digital And Technology Officer in 2020, he played a central role in building foundational digital platforms, enhancing data and analytics capabilities and strengthening cyber resilience across the group.
Heineken said the leadership transition reflects its commitment to continuity while positioning the business to unlock greater value from technology, data and AI in an increasingly competitive global beverages market.
