The Carlsberg Group, one of the world’s largest beer companies, has announced that Jacob Aarup-Andersen will become its new Chief Executive Officer, replacing Cees ‘t Hart, who will retire by the end of Q3 2023 at the latest. Aarup-Andersen, who is Danish, is currently the CEO of ISS A/S, a global leader in facility management. During his tenure at ISS, he led a financial turnaround and developed a strategy focused on technology and digitization, sustainability, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prior to ISS, Aarup-Andersen held senior leadership roles at Danske Bank and Danica Pension, and worked as an investment professional in firms such as Danske Capital, TPX-Axon Capital, Montrica Investment Management, and Goldman Sachs.

The Chair of Carlsberg’s Supervisory Board, Henrik Poulsen, said that Aarup-Andersen emerged as the best candidate from a comprehensive assessment of CEO candidates from around the world. Poulsen praised Aarup-Andersen’s “strong track record in delivering shareholder value and organic and inorganic growth in addition to driving the ESG and digitization agendas,” and his “unique blend of excellent strategic skills, financial acumen and discipline, global operational experience and an engaging and purpose-led leadership style.” Poulsen expressed confidence in Aarup-Andersen’s ability to lead the next stage of Carlsberg’s growth journey.

In a statement, Aarup-Andersen said that he was looking forward to joining Carlsberg and building on its unique heritage and strong values. He praised Carlsberg’s international presence, brand portfolio, ambitious ESG agenda, and long-term mindset, as well as the values of giving back to society through the Carlsberg Foundation. Aarup-Andersen also commended Cees ‘t Hart and the Carlsberg leadership team for creating a strong foundation, financially and strategically, and said that he would continue the strong shareholder value focus. Aarup-Andersen expressed enthusiasm for working with the Carlsberg team over the coming years to further accelerate the growth and value creation of the company.