Hartwall today announced that Yrjö Narhinen, General Manager, has decided to leave the business and will be succeeded as of September 1, 2009 by Mr. Jan-Kees Nieman, currently General Manager of Heineken’s Dutch soft drinks subsidiary, Vrumona. Yrjö will work with Jan-Kees over the coming weeks in order to facilitate a smooth handover.
During Mr. Narhinen’s three-year tenure with Hartwall, he was able to return the Company to growth and reverse the declining market share trends on its expanded beverage portfolio.
Commenting on the announcement, John Hunt, Managing Director, Developing Markets, Heineken Western Europe said, “I would like to thank Yrjö for the contribution he has made to the business and for his passion, focus and commitment. While I am sorry to see him leave, I respect his decision and wish him every success in the next phase of his career. I am delighted that we have someone of Jan-Kees’ ability to succeed Yrjö. Jan-Kees brings significant experience in leading a complex and broad beverage portfolio, and will – alongside Hartwall’s strong management team - drive our Finnish business forward.
Commenting on his decision, Yrjö Narhinen said, “Leading Hartwall has been a privilege. During a period of significant change and economic challenge, we have been able to expand our beverage portfolio and return the business to topline growth. Hartwall is an organisation of dedicated, professional and proud employees and I am confident that Jan-Kees and the management team will build upon this success. Whilst this was a very difficult decision for me, given my professional aspirations, I feel it is the right time to seek a new and different challenge.”
“I am thrilled at the opportunity to lead the Hartwall organisation,” said Jan-Kees Nieman. Despite the difficult economic environment, the management and employees of Hartwall have demonstrated that they can successfully manage and deliver results through change. Hartwall has an enviable portfolio of beverage brands, and I am committed to working hand-in-hand with our strong management, employees and customers to ensure we continue to grow the business in the years ahead.”
Jan-Kees joined Heineken in 1993 and has served in a number of increasingly senior management roles within the organisation, including as Export Manager within Heineken Export; as Area Export Manager for Heineken in Hong Kong and as Retail Manager for Heineken Brouwerijen before assuming the role of General Manager for Vrumona in 2006.