Don Blaustein said: "This is not a decision that I made overnight. Given my own career aspirations and a different view of how to build our business/portfolio in the current economic climate, I thought it best that we part ways. Heineken USA has a passionate and talented team that will continue to bring success to the business and I am personally looking forward to starting a new stage in my career."
A successor to Blaustein will be announced shortly. In the interim, John Nicolson, regional president Americas, will oversee the USA business.
John Nicolson said: "We are sorry to see Don leave. In his nearly 5 years at Heineken, Don has made strong contributions to the company including leading the successful launch of Heineken Light, managing the important FEMSA portfolio and leading the integration of the Newcastle Brown Ale brand into Heineken USA. I would like to thank him for his commitment and wish him well in his future career. The Heineken Americas region is committed to growing its business and strengthening its partnerships. I am pleased to work directly with the Heineken USA team until a successor is named. They are a talented group and I have all confidence they will excel during this transition."