Preeminent Kiwi beverage manufacturer, DB Breweries, today announced senior management changes which will see Managing Director, Peter Simons, moving on to a new role within The HEINEKEN Company, and Matt Wilson, currently Corporate Affairs Director and Transformation Lead at DB, appointed as Managing Director effective January 1, 2022.
Simons has spent 30 years with HEINEKEN in different roles around the world and leaves the New Zealand business in good shape following numerous successful innovations, a focus on growth and value creation, and bold ambitions in the sustainability space. DB has experienced steady positive financial growth across all metrics under Simons’ leadership. He is thrilled to see the top job go to a local talent: “It is wonderful to hand over the Managing Director role to Matt Wilson, a New Zealand national. Matt’s appointment, and leadership experience across HEINEKEN’s operations in New Zealand and Vietnam are good examples of the limitless career opportunities available when you are part of the HEINEKEN company,” says Simons.
After 12 years with the company in a variety of senior management roles, Wilson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Managing Director position. Since joining DB in 2009 as Legal Counsel, Wilson has served as the Corporate Relations & Legal Director at DB and Corporate Affairs Director at HEINEKEN Vietnam, before moving back to New Zealand in 2020 as Corporate Affairs Director and Transformation Lead at DB. Prior to joining DB, Matt worked in the legal and banking sectors in New Zealand, France and the UK.
Wilson commented that he is excited to be able to lead the business through a time of change and opportunity: “Peter has led DB from strength to strength over the past four years and is handing over the company in a very strong position, despite the ongoing lockdowns affecting our hospitality and traditional customers and rising input costs,” said Wilson.
“In 2020 and 2021 Kiwis have experienced a great deal of separation and uncertainty with prolonged lockdowns and ongoing travel restrictions. That means, when it is safe to do so, it is even more important than ever to help bring people back together for social connection. Businesses like ours are at the centre of these social connections and good times and I look forward to DB continuing to bring world-class beverages, brands and experiences to New Zealanders,” said Wilson.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to lead a company with such passion for its customers, consumers, people and the planet, and look forward to building on the successes of Peter and the rest of the DB team. It is a great honour to be at the helm of such an iconic New Zealand company that is also a proud part of the family-owned global brewing giant, HEINEKEN,” said Wilson.
Peter Simons’ new HEINEKEN role, and Matthew Wilson’s replacement, will both be announced in the coming months.
