KINGSTON, Jamaica — Iconic Jamaican brewery Red Stripe has unveiled a major leadership reshuffle that will make corporate sustainability and public affairs veteran Holly Bostock the first woman to lead the brand in its 100-year history. Effective July 1, 2026, Bostock will step into the role of managing director, while incumbent Daaf van Tilburg will take up a new regional leadership position with parent company Heineken’s Asia Pacific (APAC) division.
The announcement, made public by the brewery Thursday, frames the leadership handover as the opening of a new growth-focused chapter for Red Stripe, which operates in one of the most competitive and fast-evolving beverage markets in the Caribbean. Industry observers note the appointment also marks a landmark shift for gender diversity in Jamaica’s manufacturing and brewing sectors, aligning with global corporate pushes for more inclusive leadership pipelines.
Van Tilburg, who took the helm at Red Stripe in July 2023, earned his regional promotion after a tenure marked by strong operational results and strategic transformation. During his three years at the Jamaican brand, he led a refinement of the company’s commercial strategy, reinforced the value of Red Stripe’s core product portfolio, launched multiple market-facing innovations, and deepened long-standing partnerships with retail and hospitality partners across the island.
One of his most notable achievements was steering the successful turnaround of Celebration Brands Limited (CBL), Red Stripe’s joint venture for sales and distribution. Under his leadership, CBL upgraded its on-the-ground sales execution, lifted customer service standards, and improved engagement with vendors across Jamaica.
Beyond commercial results, van Tilburg prioritized corporate resilience and local community engagement, most notably leading Red Stripe’s support for national recovery efforts after Hurricanes Beryl and Melissa hit the island. Reflecting on his time leading the brand, van Tilburg called the role an incredible privilege, noting that “the passion, resilience, and talent of the Jamaican team are truly inspiring. I am proud of what we have achieved together and confident the business will continue to thrive.”
In his new role as APAC Managing Director, van Tilburg will oversee a diverse portfolio of Heineken operating companies across the region, guiding their progress on core strategic priorities: growth acceleration, productivity improvements, and long-term operational adaptation. Heineken cited van Tilburg’s proven strategic thinking and track record of driving transformation and performance across global markets as key factors in his appointment.
For Bostock, the promotion to Red Stripe’s top role builds on a successful three-year tenure leading Heineken St Lucia. During her time in that position, the business delivered consecutive annual growth in revenue, gross profit, and operating profit, posted record cash flow results, and implemented a sustainable debt and dividend framework designed to future-proof operations and deliver long-term value to shareholders.
Bostock launched her Heineken career in 2010 through the company’s competitive International Graduate Programme, and has since built a cross-functional, global career spanning multiple regional markets. She cut her teeth in senior roles in public affairs, communications, and sustainability at Heineken’s global headquarters, before moving into regional leadership as corporate affairs director for Heineken Myanmar and later Heineken Vietnam. This trajectory has equipped her with deep international experience and cross-market strategic insight that Red Stripe’s board says will be invaluable in her new role.
Red Stripe emphasized that Bostock’s appointment is not an isolated change, but a direct reflection of the company’s ongoing commitment to cultivating diverse, inclusive leadership at all levels. The milestone also stands as a progressive step forward for gender representation across Jamaica’s brewing and manufacturing industries, which have historically been led by male executives.
Reacting to her appointment, Bostock said: “It is an honour to join Red Stripe, a company deeply rooted in Jamaican heritage and globally respected for its iconic brands. I look forward to working with the talented team to build on its success, drive sustainable growth, and continue contributing to Jamaica’s economic and social development.”