HEINEKEN UK and Beavertown Brewery have announced a series of senior leadership changes as both businesses look to their next phase of growth.
Will Rice, currently On-Trade Sales Director at HEINEKEN UK, will become Managing Director of Beavertown from 1 June 2026. He will lead the next stage of development for the brewery, which will continue to operate as a separate company with its own identity.
Rice has held a number of senior commercial roles across HEINEKEN UK, including Off-Trade, Star Pubs and On-Trade. Most recently, he has led the company’s On-Trade team, where he has overseen market share growth, helped secure a number one Advantage score with major customers for two consecutive years, and delivered record Net Promoter Scores in the independent free-trade.
His move to Beavertown comes as the brewery continues to build on the performance of Neck Oil and develop its innovation pipeline, while retaining the brand, culture and operating model that have helped shape its position in the UK craft beer market.
Jochen Van Esch will step down as Managing Director of Beavertown after three-and-a-half years in the role and return to HEINEKEN Group. Prior to joining Beavertown, Van Esch spent five years within HEINEKEN UK building the craft brewery business and helping to shape the partnership between Beavertown and HEINEKEN.
During his time at Beavertown, he helped scale the business while retaining its distinct brand, culture and operating model. He also supported the construction of the Beavertown Brewery in Enfield, London, described by the business as one of Europe’s most advanced craft breweries.
Mick Howard, currently Operations Director for Star Pubs, has been appointed On-Trade Sales Director for HEINEKEN UK. Howard has played a key role in the Star Pubs business, including the Punch acquisition and the development of its managed arm, Just Add Talent.
In his new role, he will focus on delivering profitable growth and supporting HEINEKEN UK’s On-Trade strategy.
Boudewijn Haarsma, Managing Director, HEINEKEN UK, said, “These moves reflect our focus on putting proven, high-impact leaders where they can make the biggest difference for customers and growth. Will has an outstanding track record in the On-Trade, and he is the right leader to guide Beavertown through its next phase of growth, while it continues to operate as a separate company with its own distinctive identity.
“Mick has been instrumental in shaping Star Pubs and is a proven operator and people leader. I’m delighted to welcome him into the On-Trade Sales Director role as we continue to execute our winning strategy. His deep understanding of running pubs will help him to lead our team in being a value adding business partner for our customers.
“I also want to thank Jochen for the legacy he leaves at Beavertown, from building brand leadership in UK craft to progressing the Enfield brewery. We wish him every success as he moves to HEINEKEN Group.”
Rice and Howard will take up their new roles on 1 June 2026, with Van Esch also transitioning to HEINEKEN Group on the same date.
Picture: Will Rice
