Brewing giant AB InBev has appointed Dirk Van de Put, the chairman and chief executive of Mondelēz International, as its new chairman following the retirement of Martin J. Barrington from the company's board.
Van de Put, who has served as an independent director of AB InBev since April 2023, takes up the role with immediate effect after being unanimously selected by the brewer's board.
The appointment brings one of the consumer goods industry's most experienced executives to the helm of the world's largest brewer, whose portfolio includes global beer brands such as Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois.
AB InBev chief executive Michel Doukeris welcomed the appointment, saying Van de Put's leadership experience would help guide the business through its next phase of growth.
"We are delighted to have Mr. Van de Put as our new chairman," Doukeris said. "He brings a wealth of expertise and a distinguished record of leadership that will be invaluable as we continue to grow and create a future with more cheers."
Van de Put has led Mondelēz International since 2017 and has more than three decades of experience across the food, beverage and consumer packaged goods sectors. Prior to joining Mondelēz, he served as president and chief executive of McCain Foods and held senior leadership roles at Novartis, Danone, Coca-Cola and Mars.
A dual Belgian and US national, Van de Put has lived and worked across three continents and is fluent in English, Dutch, French, Spanish and Portuguese.
Commenting on his appointment, Van de Put said he was looking forward to supporting the company's long-term strategy.
"I'm honored to be selected as the company's next chairman," he said.
"Having spent the past three years on the AB InBev board, I am supportive of the company's strategy and ten-year plan. 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."
The appointment comes as AB InBev continues to focus on premiumisation, digital transformation and expanding its global beer portfolio. The Leuven-headquartered brewer reported revenue of $59.3 billion (£44.28bn) in 2025 and employs around 137,000 people across more than 40 countries.