AMSTERDAM — Sean O’Neill is stepping down as chief corporate relations officer at Heineken after 12 years in the role, to return to the UK.

O’Neill is replaced by Blanca Juti, who was most recently chief brand officer at Rovio Entertainment. Juti joins Heineken’s executive team, reporting to CEO and chairman Jean-François van Boxmeer.

O’Neill (pictured), who joined Heineken from Diageo in 2004, will remain with the company until June, while Juti will assume her new role in mid-May.

“Sean has been an important member of our executive team for 12 years and has made a significant contribution to our business,” said van Boxmeer. “He has transformed our thinking on reputation, public affairs and stakeholder engagement and been a driving force in making sustainability a core pillar in our global strategy. He has played an important leadership role within the international alcohol industry and built a world class corporate relations function within Heineken.”

Prior to her two-year stint at Rovio, Juti spent 14 years at Nokia in senior marketing and communications in the US, Mexico and Finland. “Blanca has an outstanding track record in leading high performing teams across businesses and functions,” said van Boxmeer.

“Blanca’s considerable experience as a member of senior leadership teams coupled with her understanding of company purpose, reputation and her brand and digital communication skills will be valuable assets in meeting the challenges we face in the coming years.”