AB InBev appoints Mondelez CEO Dirk Van de Put as Chairman
AB InBev has named Mondelez CEO Dirk Van de Put as chairman as the company expands its portfolio with new flavoured beer innovations in the UK market.
BELGIUM – Anheuser-Busch InBev has appointed Dirk Van de Put, chief executive officer of Mondelez International, as its new chairman, replacing Martin Barrington, who has retired from the brewer’s board.
The leadership change took effect on 16 June. Van de Put has served as an AB InBev director since April 2023, strengthening his involvement with the company prior to taking on the chairmanship role.
In a statement, AB InBev described Van de Put as a “proven leader in the food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industries”.
Van de Put has led Mondelez International, the owner of Cadbury and Oreo, since 2017. He is a dual Belgian-US citizen with extensive leadership experience across the global food and beverage sector.
AB InBev chief executive officer Michel Doukeris said Van de Put’s experience would support the company’s long-term growth strategy.
“His experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow and create a future with more cheers,” Doukeris said.
Van de Put said he supports the brewer’s long-term direction following his time on the board.
“Having spent the past three years on the AB InBev Board, I am supportive of the company’s strategy and ten-year plan,” he said. “I have been impressed by the company’s talented management team, led by CEO Michel Doukeris, and I look forward to helping AB InBev write the next chapter in brewing history.”
Before joining Mondelez, Van de Put served as president and chief executive officer of McCain Foods. He joined the Canadian frozen foods company in 2010 as chief operating officer after holding senior roles at Coca-Cola, Mars, Danone and Novartis. He became chief executive in 2011.
The appointment comes as AB InBev continues to diversify its beverage portfolio, particularly in the United Kingdom, where it is introducing new flavoured products.
The company recently launched Stella Artois Strawberries & Cream, a limited-edition beer inspired by Wimbledon, where the brand serves as the official beer partner. The blush pink product has an ABV of 3.4% and is being sold through selected UK retailers including Sainsbury’s and The Co-operative, as well as at Wimbledon venues and nearby pubs until 12 July.
“As the official beer of Wimbledon, we’re always looking for new ways to elevate the consumers’ experience, even if they are taking part from home,” said Mark Wingfield Digby, off-premise sales director at Budweiser Brewing Group UK & Ireland.
Bud Light is also expanding its UK range with Bud Light Lemon Squeeze, a lemon-flavoured variant positioned to meet changing consumer preferences.
A company spokesperson said the launch reflects evolving drinking habits.
“The new addition reflects how younger legal-drinking-age consumers are broadening their engagement with beer,” the spokesperson said. “Alongside traditional lager occasions, a new generation of drinkers is seeking out flavour profiles.”
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