White Plains, NY (February 4, 2009) – Heineken USA has recently established a dedicated on premise national account team focused on corporate national accounts. The new group is comprised of sales, marketing and analytical personnel who will be dedicated to providing greater resources and focus to this growing market opportunity. Heineken recognizes that nearly 30% of the on-premise market is controlled by national and regional chains and this segment is getting larger every day. In an effort to continue to provide resources to this growing market opportunity, they have established a new group complete with experienced sales, marketing, and analytical personnel.

Andrew O’Rourke, Director On-Premise National Accounts, Heineken USA said “Our new division is in keeping with the company’s long term desire to focus greater resources against key customers. We at Heineken USA recognize that nearly one third of the on-premise market is controlled by national and regional chains and this segment is growing. We recognize to achieve ongoing success, we need to approach sales on a channel by channel, segment by segment basis. That’s why we have established sales experts in each of our core business segments including: Casual Dining, Hospitality, Casinos, Airlines and Concessions.”

The new on-premise team managed by Andrew O’Rourke, National Account Director will report into Steve Ward, Vice President of National Accounts who is responsible for all On and Off-Premise National Accounts efforts. The team will consist of five National Account Managers each assigned to a specific channel including: Steve Hutcherson and Jeff Bennett – Casual Dining; Greg Melton – Hospitality, Andy Timothy – Casinos and Airlines and Barney O’Connell – Concessions. The team is supported by Patrick Libonate – Customer Marketing and Todd Camassar – Category Management.

Steve Ward added, “Heineken is committed to providing sales tools, programs and support that help our customers build a more profitable business with our brands. We understand these are difficult times for our on-premise partners. Our portfolio of premium brands is particularly well placed to drive ‘trade up’. Now more than ever, people who make the decision to eat out want to make the most of the occasion. Treating themselves to a world-class beer for a relatively small additional cost fits the bill nicely. On-Premise operators need to make sure they offer a range of well-known import and specialty brands and they need to look no further than the Heineken USA portfolio.”