Heineken is appointing Rafael Oliveira, the chief executive of JDE Peet’s, as its new chief executive officer in an outside hire, according to multiple reports. The move follows what outlets describe as a complicated and difficult succession process. Oliveira is expected to take charge of the Dutch brewer on October 1 after completing a global search for candidates. The appointment is notable because it brings leadership from outside Heineken rather than promoting an internal executive. Several sources tie the decision to Heineken’s need to address weakening performance, including sliding beer sales. The reports state that Oliveira currently leads JDE Peet’s, the coffee and tea company, and will transition from that role to oversee Heineken. While the coverage focuses primarily on the leadership change and timing, all accounts are consistent that the company has selected Oliveira through an external recruitment process and that he will begin his tenure on October 1.