A ransom of 35 million Dutch guilders secured the release of Alfred Henry Heineken and his driver Ab Doderer after their 1983 kidnapping. This event marked a dark moment in the life of the Dutch entrepreneur who transformed a local brewing firm into a globally recognized brand, eventually accumulating a fortune of 9.5 billion guilders by his death in 2002.
Professional Ascent
Born in Amsterdam in 1923, Alfred Henry Heineken was the grandson of Gerard Adriaan Heineken, who founded the brewery in 1864. He entered the service of the family company on 1 June 1941. During his career, the business had shifted away from original family ownership. He initiated a strategy to buy back stock to regain majority control. He established Heineken Holding, which maintained 50.005% ownership of Heineken International, ensuring continued family influence over the enterprise.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Global Expansion and Leadership
Serving as chief executive officer and chairman of the board from 1971 to 1989, he directed the transition of the company from a domestic Dutch operation into a worldwide name. Following his resignation as CEO, he retained his position on the board of directors until his death. Additionally, he served as chairman of the supervisory board between 1989 and 1995. His business contributions were recognized with the Akademiepenning in 1990, alongside his status as a Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion and Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
The 1983 Abduction
The kidnapping involving Cor van Hout, Willem Holleeder, Jan Boellaard, Frans Meijer, and Martin Erkamps drew significant public attention. Following the payment of the ransom, the perpetrators were eventually apprehended. Several members of the group faced extensive legal proceedings across multiple jurisdictions, including France and Paraguay, before being transferred to Dutch custody. The incident inspired multiple films, including The Heineken Kidnapping released in 2011 and a 2015 production titled Kidnapping Freddy Heineken.
Final Years
Heineken was a member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy. He married Lucille Cummins, who hailed from a Kentucky family involved in the bourbon whiskey industry. In his later years, he suffered from declining health, including a mild stroke in 1999. He passed away on 3 January 2002 from pneumonia at his residence in Noordwijk. His daughter, Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, inherited his fortune. He is interred at the Noordwijk General Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1923, Amsterdam
- Died: 3 January 2002, Noordwijk
- Primary Occupation: Businessperson, Entrepreneur, Stockbroker
- Net worth at death: 9.5 billion guilders
- Major Company: Heineken International
- Notable Publication: The United States of Europe, A Eurotopia?, 1992
- Burial site: Noordwijk General Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was his role in the Heineken company?
He served as CEO and chairman from 1971 to 1989 and later as chairman of the supervisory board.
Who inherited his fortune?
His daughter, Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, inherited his wealth upon his death in 2002.
Achievements
- Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion
- Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau
- Affiliated with Heineken International
