Heineken to Transition CDTO Role, Hires Ex-Mars Petcare CIO Romain Apert
The Heineken Co. has hired Romain Apert to take over the role of chief digital and technology officer. He will join the Heineken executive team on May 15.
Apert will be tasked with leading the company's digital transformation, with a focus on an AI-driven tech and data strategy. He was hired for his experience in combining operational rigor with practical innovation with a people-centered leadership style, according to CEO Dolf van den Brink.
"We will focus on further deploying the company's digital backbone and scaling the immense value of data and AI to accelerate growth, step up productivity and focus future-fit, making Heineken ready for the future with impact and intention by completing our digital transformation, focusing our sustainability efforts, and building a high-performance culture so our people, processes and organization are equipped to win in a fast-changing world," Apert said in a LinkedIn post.
Also: Heineken adds generative AI diagnostics, query tool to "Connected" ecosystem
He will replace Ronald den Elzen, the company's first-ever CDTO.
During his tenure, den Elzen helped lay the foundation for stronger data and analytics platforms, focusing on cyber resilience and advancing the company's Connected Brewer strategy. After spending 31 years with Heineken, he will pursue new career opportunities.
More About Apert
Apert joins Heineken from Mars Petcare, where he most recently served as its chief information officer. In that role, he oversaw a multiyear digital transformation that included modernizing the company's ERP and installing stronger data foundations and capabilities across the supply chain, commercial operations and consumer experiences. This included embedding AI-enabled diagnostic tools.
During his 25-year career at Mars, Apert held a variety of positions, working within supply execution, research and development, data and insights, and business development.
