From IKEA to Heineken: Simon Henzell-Thomas’ Career Move

Simon Henzell-Thomas has been appointed Global Sustainability Director at The Heineken Company.

This new role comes after his 14-year tenure at IKEA, where he worked in climate and human rights.

He will work alongside a global team to embed the company’s '2030 Brew a Better World' strategy into its operations.

Simon’s career history

Simon began his career in 2002 as Press and Fundraising Manager for The People’s Trust for Endangered Species.

He spent five years working at The Body Shop, where he became Head of Sustainability and Ethical Trade.

He joined IKEA in 2012, staying at the company for 14 years.

Throughout his time at IKEA, Simon worked in stakeholder engagement, public affairs and human rights.

He took on the role of Head of Climate & Nature in 2023, which is his most recent role before joining Heineken.

Announcing his departure from IKEA, Simon wrote 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.”

What is Heineken’s sustainability strategy?

Heineken’s '2030 Brew a Better World' strategy outlines its sustainability ambitions and plans to drive down its emissions.

The strategy, launched in 2021, includes its target to reach net zero carbon across its value chain by 2040.

It aims to reach net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and reduce Scope 3 FLAG (forest, land and agriculture) emissions by 30% and non-FLAG by 25% by 2030.

Heineken also aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, with a target to use 100% renewable energy for both its on-site electricity generation and purchased electricity by 2030.

Another part of its sustainability strategy centres around water stewardship, especially in agriculture, which accounts for nearly 90% of the company’s water footprint.

It aims to fully balance its water use in water-stressed areas by adopting nature-based solutions including land conservation and ecosystem restoration.

Its target is to replenish 1.5 litres of water to local watersheds for every litre of beer the company sells.

Joanna Price, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Heineken, says: “Four years into developing and executing our Brew a Better World 2030 strategy, 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.”

Simon’s future at Heineken

In his new role as Global Sustainability Director, Simon will benefit from his 20 years of international experience in sustainability and ESG strategy.

His work will focus on leading transformation at Heineken and developing its sustainability strategy, with the aim of having a positive impact on people and the environment.

He brings key skills including pushing for collaboration and transparency, managing regulations and risk and corporate communications.

Simon writes on LinkedIn: “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.”