Heineken Italia reshuffles top management, naming a new supply chain director and a new CEO for its distribution arm Partesa
Executive summary: Heineken Italia appointed Giuseppe Mele as Supply Chain Director and Paul Schalekamp as CEO of Partesa, its Italian distribution subsidiary, effective immediately. The leadership changes reflect Heineken's effort to strengthen supply‑chain execution and distribution performance in Italy, a key European market where the group faces declining beer volumes and pressure to expand into adjacent categories.
Who is involved: Heineken Italia (parent), Giuseppe Mele (new Supply Chain Director), Paul Schalekamp (new Partesa CEO), Partesa (wholesale distribution unit).
Likely next: The new executives are expected to present an updated operational roadmap at the next Heineken Group investor briefing, likely in Q4 2026, and to drive integration of Partesa's logistics with Heineken's production network.
Heineken Italia announced two senior appointments on 2 September 2026: Giuseppe Mele becomes Supply Chain Director, while Paul Schalekamp takes over as CEO of Partesa, the group's Italian wholesale‑distribution unit. The moves signal a focus on operational efficiency and distribution strategy amid a broader industry push by major brewers to diversify beyond traditional beer. No financial details or strategic targets were disclosed in the release.
Timeline
- — Heineken Italia rinnova il management (Il Sole 24 Ore — Economia)
Analysis — what this means
Likely next events
- Heineken Group Q3 2026 earnings release scheduled for late October 2026 – management may comment on Italian restructuring.
- Partesa leadership to outline distribution‑network optimisation plan at Heineken investor day in November 2026.
Sectors affected
- Beverage manufacturing
- Wholesale beverage distribution
Historical parallels
- AB InBev Europe management reshuffle in 2022 aimed at supply‑chain integration.
Key entities
Sources
- Heineken Italia rinnova il management — Il Sole 24 Ore — Economia