LEUVEN, Belgium — Anheuser-Busch InBev's board of directors has elected Michel Doukeris as the company’s next CEO.
Doukeris (pictured, left), currently president of AB InBev’s North America Zone, will succeed Carlos Brito (right), effective July 1. Brito is stepping down after 15 years as CEO and 32 years at the beer company, with brands including Budweiser, Michelob Ultra, Bud Light and Corona.
“We are grateful to Brito for his tremendous service and leadership,” said AB InBev Board Chairman Martin Barrington. “Among his many accomplishments, Brito was the architect who led and built AB InBev into the world’s leading beer company and a leading global consumer packaged goods company by masterfully integrating the many businesses that comprise AB InBev today. He has always been a role model of the company’s successful ownership culture.”
At AB InBev, Doukeris served in key leadership roles in Brazil, China and the United States, three of the company’s largest markets. The North America Zone business has delivered consistent topline growth and led the beer industry in innovations for the last two years under his leadership, the company said.
Doukeris also worked as the Leuven, Belgium-based company’s global chief sales officer and the president of the Asia Pacific Zone.
“Throughout my career at AB InBev I have had the privilege to lead our business in different regions of the world and to work alongside the industry’s most talented and passionate colleagues every step of the way,” Doukeris said. “I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective that builds on our consumer-first mindset and drives innovation and transformation in this next exciting stage. I congratulate Brito on his exceptional career and thank the Board of Directors for their confidence in me to lead the next chapter of AB InBev’s growth.”
The company will announce his replacement as leader for the North American Zone on July 1.
“Michel is the right leader to take the company into its next phase of organic growth and success,” AB InBev Board Chairman Martin Barrington said. “He has a proven track record in innovation, multi-category brand building in beer and adjacencies, consumer insight, and expanding premium brands in both emerging and developed markets. The Board is excited to continue to work closely with Michel as we grow the company.”
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