How Simon Henzell-Thomas Leads Sustainability at Heineken

Simon Henzell-Thomas has joined The Heineken Company as Global Sustainability Director following a 14-year career at IKEA, where his work focused on climate and human rights issues.

He will collaborate with a global team to integrate the company's '2030 Brew a Better World' strategy throughout its operations.

Simon's professional background

Simon's career in sustainability began in 2002 when he took on the role of Press and Fundraising Manager at The People's Trust for Endangered Species. He then spent five years at The Body Shop, progressing to become Head of Sustainability and Ethical Trade.

In 2012, Simon joined IKEA where he remained for 14 years. During his tenure at IKEA, his work encompassed stakeholder engagement, public affairs and human rights. In 2023, he assumed the position of Head of Climate & Nature, which marked his final role before his move to Heineken.

Reflecting on his departure from IKEA, Simon shared on LinkedIn: "The hardest thing about leaving a place you love is realising that the time is right. After 14 years at IKEA, I've decided it's time to move on.

"I learned what it really means to lead through uncertainty. From Covid to the war in Ukraine and everything in between, staying calm, focused and human during chaos is a muscle we all need to keep building.

"I learned the power of deep listening. Not waiting for your time to speak – but being genuinely curious and open to changing your mind. We really do have two ears and one mouth.

"And I learned that values only matter when they're lived. Watching these behaviours practiced – not just talked about – is one of the reasons IKEA's sustainability work carries real weight."

Heineken's environmental commitments

Heineken's '2030 Brew a Better World' strategy sets out the company's sustainability ambitions and its approach to reducing emissions. The strategy includes a commitment to achieve net zero carbon across its value chain by 2040.

The company aims to reach net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, alongside a 30% reduction in Scope 3 FLAG (forest, land and agriculture) emissions and a 25% reduction in non-FLAG emissions by the same year.

Heineken is also working to decrease its dependence on fossil fuels, targeting 100% renewable energy for both its on-site electricity generation and purchased electricity by 2030.

Water stewardship represents another key pillar of the sustainability strategy, particularly within agriculture, which accounts for nearly 90% of the company's water footprint. The company aims to fully balance its water use in water-stressed areas through nature-based solutions such as land conservation and ecosystem restoration. Its goal is to replenish 1.5 litres of water to local watersheds for every litre of beer sold.

Joanna Price, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Heineken, says: "Sustainability and responsibility are now an integral part of how we operate.

"I am proud of the progress we've made but I know there is more for us to do as we navigate challenges and trade-offs.

"Brew a Better World remains the foundation as we continue to learn, evolve and partner with others to deliver our goals."

Leading sustainability at Heineken

In his new position as Global Sustainability Director, Simon will draw on his 20 years of international experience in sustainability and ESG strategy. His work will centre on leading transformation at Heineken and advancing its sustainability strategy, with the objective of creating a positive impact on both people and the environment.

He brings expertise in driving collaboration and transparency, managing regulations and risk, and corporate communications to the role.

Writing on LinkedIn, Simon says: "Moving somewhere new can feel surprisingly like going home. That's how this first week has felt as I step into a new role, leading sustainability at Heineken.

"What stood out immediately was the warmth – and how much pride people have in both the history and the future of the business.

"I'm very aware I'm joining a team that has been building and driving the agenda long before I arrived. My focus now is to listen, learn and support the work already underway."