Anheuser-Busch InBev has announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously elected Michel Doukeris, President of AB InBev’s North America Zone, to succeed Carlos Brito as Chief Executive Officer effective from 1 July, 2021.

Brito will step down after 15 years as CEO and 32 years at the company.

“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. The Board thanks Brito for his dedicated service, passion, caring and commitment to making our company dream big and delivering.”

“I am very proud of being part of this team of 164,000 colleagues around the world that have been on our journey,” said Brito. “It has been an honour and privilege to work with such a talented group of individuals as we built this global company based on strong values and our unwavering commitment to excellence, quality, consumers and communities. I am very excited about the future of our business under Michel’s leadership and congratulate him on the appointment as CEO of this amazing company.”

AB InBev Board Chairman Martin Barrington, said: “After conducting a rigorous and robust selection process, the Board is delighted that our next CEO comes from our deep bench of leadership talent. Michel is the right leader to take the company into its next phase of organic growth and success. 

“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.”

Commenting on his appointment, Doukeris stated: “I am honoured and humbled by the opportunity to lead AB InBev and to continue our company’s legacy of exceptional leadership and value creation. 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.

“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.”

A new leader for the North America Zone will be announced before 1 July 2021.