The Netherlands: Heineken N.V. announces departure of Chief Operating Officer

Heineken N.V. announced June 07 that Marc Bolland, Chief Operating Officer and Member of the Executive Board, will leave the business to join Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc (“Morrisons”) as Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Bolland will take up his role with Morrisons, one of the UK’s leading retail groups, on 1 September 2006.

Commenting on the announcement, Jean-François van Boxmeer, Chairman of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer, Heineken N.V. said, “In his 20 years with Heineken, Marc has made a significant contribution to the growth of the company. Over the last year in particular, Marc has established the direction and management priorities for the regional structure, which will support our future growth. He has been a great colleague, and he leaves with our thanks and genuine best wishes for his new role.”

Marc Bolland said, “This is a great opportunity for me to head one of the UK’s leading companies and I am looking forward to the challenge. Heineken has been a great part of my life for 20 years but this is what I see as the right move at this point in my career.”

In line with the company’s stated intention of streamlining the management structure, the role of Chief Operating Officer, Heineken NV will not be replaced. The five Regional Presidents will now report directly to Jean-François van Boxmeer.

Mr. Bolland will leave Heineken on 1 July, 2006.

09 June, 2006