Creating Immersive Shopper Experiences into Heineken’s Premier Sponsorships
Heineken has appointed WPP as its global partner for commerce and below-the-line (BTL) marketing.
This partnership will see WPP harness the power of AI through its proprietary platform, WPP Open, to craft cutting-edge brand experiences designed to captivate consumers and drive sales.
The Dutch brewing giant’s decision highlights the rising influence of artificial intelligence in shaping consumer interactions, with WPP spearheading a data-driven approach to optimise Heineken’s shopper marketing strategies.
Rutger van der Stegen, Global Head of BTL Heineken brand, lauded WPP’s expertise, stating: “We were impressed by WPP’s deep capabilities in shopper marketing, including their ability to drive higher efficiencies through WPP Open, underpinned by advanced AI.”
At the core of this partnership is WPP’s ability to forge deeper consumer connections through creative innovation.
The agency’s deep understanding of the Heineken brand will be instrumental in transforming key shopper touchpoints and reinforcing the brand’s presence at retail.
Formula 1, UEFA Champions League, and a New Era of Brand Engagement
WPP has formed a dedicated team, led by VML Amsterdam, to lead the Heineken account.
Their goal is to develop immersive shopper experiences that tap into Heineken’s premier sponsorships, including Formula 1 and the UEFA Champions League.
This approach aligns with Heineken’s push to position itself as more than just a beer brand—evolving into a lifestyle icon synonymous with high-energy, high-engagement experiences.
Rogier Leliveld, Chief Client Officer for WPP Netherlands and WPP’s Global Client Lead for Heineken, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We could not be prouder to expand our partnership with Heineken and leverage WPP Open’s AI capabilities to create world-class experiences for its brands. Commerce and shopper experience are such important drivers of brand power and sales in this category, which makes this opportunity even more exciting.”
This latest venture builds upon WPP’s long-established relationship with Heineken in brand strategy and design.
By integrating AI-driven marketing solutions, the partnership is poised to revolutionise how Heineken engages consumers at retail touchpoints.
As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, Heineken’s decision to embrace AI-powered shopper marketing could set a bold new industry standard.
With WPP—one of the world’s most influential creative agencies—at the helm, the brewing giant is gearing up to deliver next-generation brand experiences that could redefine how consumers interact with beer brands.
For Heineken lovers, that could mean more than just a perfectly chilled pint—it’s about an experience worth toasting to.
