AB InBev names Michel Doukeris as head of its North America unit

AB InBev has announced that Michel Doukeris will be appointed president of its North America business and CEO of Anheuser-Busch.

He will succeed João Castro Neves, who has decided to step down from the role as president to pursue other opportunities after a ‘long and distinguished career’ with AB InBev.

Doukeris joined AB InBev in in 1996 and held sales positions of increasing responsibility before becoming vice president of soft drinks for its Latin America North Zone in 2008. He was appointed president of AB InBev China in January 2010 and zone president of Asia Pacific in January 2013.          

The company said that during his time in China, he oversaw Budweiser’s rapid growth, helping to make China Budweiser’s largest growth market.

Doukeris also championed the creation of The High End business unit, first launched in China and the US then expanded to 22 countries around the world during his tenure as chief sales officer.

He is a Brazilian citizen and holds a degree in chemical engineering from Federal University of Santa Catarina and a master’s degree in marketing from Fundação Getulio Vargas, both in Brazil.

He also completed post-graduate programmes in marketing and marketing strategy from the Kellogg School of Management and Wharton Business School in the US.

AB InBev CEO Carlos Brito said: “The US is our most important market and we recognise the need to continue to focus on driving topline growth across our portfolio.

“Michel has extensive experience delivering results for our business worldwide, including helping to grow Budweiser globally and launching The High End business strategy, which now represents $5 billion of sales.”

He added: “We thank João for his 22 years of partnership and significant contributions to our company. He has been an outstanding leader, transforming our business in Latin America North and South. Most recently in the US, he spearheaded foundational changes including winning with our wholesaler partners, expanding our portfolio of craft partners, and accelerating the growth of Michelob Ultra.”

Michel Doukeris said: “Anheuser-Busch’s culture and rich brewing history are admired around the world and it is humbling to have the opportunity to lead our North American business. Our success starts with putting the consumer first.

“I will be focused on working in partnership with our wholesalers and building lasting relationships with our customers and business partners. We have a great team in the US and Canada. I know that together we can grow our business with our portfolio of iconic brands.”