Andrew Khan appointed Carlsberg Vietnam managing director: Charting a new course for growth and innovation

As Carlsberg Vietnam continues to navigate the evolving landscape of the beer industry, the company is set to begin a new chapter with the appointment of Andrew Khan as managing director, effective on September 1.

A leader poised for impact

Andrew Khan brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to Carlsberg Vietnam. His five-year tenure with Carlsberg Group has been marked by impactful leadership, particularly in expanding premium brands across key markets, the company said in a release.

As global vice president of Premium & Beyond Beer at Carlsberg Group in 2022, he successfully led the growth of premium brands like 1664 Blanc, Brooklyn, and Somersby, enhancing the group’s portfolio through strategic premiumization and successful product launches.

Before joining Carlsberg, Andrew honed his expertise in premium brand management and market expansion during his tenure at Möet Hennessy across several Asian markets.

Now, as managing director of Carlsberg Vietnam, he is set to enhance the company’s market position, nurture local talent, and develop a high-performance team dedicated to sustainable growth.

His deep understanding of the Asian market and premium brands will be instrumental in maintaining Carlsberg Vietnam’s upward trajectory, the company stated.

Vision for continued growth in Vietnam

Vietnam is a key growth market in Carlsberg Group's Accelerate SAIL strategy. The group will continue to increase investments, focusing on key brands, geographies, and capabilities to build momentum and drive growth.

Andrew Khan’s vision for Carlsberg Vietnam is clear: to drive business growth, enhance market presence, and deliver lasting value for consumers and stakeholders.

Despite recent challenges in Vietnam’s stagnating beer market, Carlsberg Vietnam has shown strength and resilience, with international premium brands like 1664 Blanc, Tuborg, Carlsberg and Somersby performing strongly, while the local favorite, Huda, continues to thrive.

Beyond business performance, Andrew is committed to fostering a growth-oriented culture at Carlsberg Vietnam, where innovation, ambition, and excellence are at the heart of daily operations.

He aims to empower employees to reach their full potential, embrace diverse perspectives, and act with agility. This growth mindset will guide Carlsberg Vietnam toward its ambitious goals and reinforce its position as a meaningful player in the market.

Innovation at the core

Innovation is central to Andrew Khan’s strategy, driving the company to challenge the status quo and exploring uncharted territories in the beer industry.

“Surprise yourself with what is possible,” Andrew notes. “As we set out on this new path, we must constantly ask ourselves: Is what we are doing creating a positive impact on the business and our consumers. Let’s push boundaries and discover new opportunities for growth and innovation together.”

In 2024, Carlsberg Vietnam continued to drive innovation with the launch of Huda Ice Twist. This light, easy-drinking beer, featuring a vibrant blue design, swiftly won over Vietnamese consumers with its smooth, refreshing taste. It not only taps into the growing trend for lighter beers but also marks a significant step in redefining Huda’s brand image as modern and youthful.

The company also partnered with Shark Tank to launch the Carlsberg x Shark Tank: Ignite Thousands of Success special edition. This initiative featured a limited 24-can carton of Carlsberg beer and introduced the "Shark Mentorship" program, offering startups up to VND500 million ($20,350) in financial support and mentorship from industry leaders.

The company’s commitment to unique consumer experiences was further demonstrated by the debut of the Tuborg Open Your Music Series this year. This newly launched event series made a notable splash in southern Vietnam, with dynamic music festivals that drew nearly 80,000 attendees in locations like Dong Nai province, Can Tho city, and Vung Tau town.

Another highlight was the 1664 Blanc boat show on the Saigon River, where the brand introduced "The Superb 16:64 Blanc Yacht," the largest moving stage on the river. This event captivated thousands in person and millions online, delivering a creative and elegant experience inspired by the Champs-Élysées.

These initiatives highlight the company’s commitment to enhancing consumer engagement in fresh and exciting ways, while fostering sustained growth.

Under Andrew’s leadership, more initiatives are expected to be introduced in Vietnam beer market “to bring excitement and new choices to Vietnamese consumers” in the coming time.

Reflecting on 30 years of progress and sustainability

As Carlsberg Vietnam celebrates over 30 years in the country, the company’s commitment to growth and sustainability is evident. From its beginnings as a pioneering Danish multinational entering Vietnam, to becoming a major player in the local beer market, Carlsberg has remained committed to economic, environmental, and social stewardship.

On the environmental front, Carlsberg Vietnam has made significant strides. The company has reached zero carbon emissions in production by adopting biomass boilers and energy-efficient systems, significantly reducing water and energy consumption.

The firm also emphasizes social responsibility, with initiatives like providing fresh water to 8,500 households in central Vietnam and addressing various community needs. These efforts embody Carlsberg's purpose of “brewing for a better today and tomorrow,” and foster a strong sense of community across Vietnam.

Looking ahead

With Andrew Khan at the helm, Carlsberg Vietnam is poised for a new chapter filled with growth and innovation that will shape the company’s future and strengthen its impact on the Vietnamese market and beyond.

"Vietnam is one of the key growth engines for the Carlsberg Group globally and in the Asia region. It is an honor to be in this fast-growing market and sail alongside the passionate and dedicated team," said Andrew Khan, managing director of Carlsberg Vietnam.

"I am very confident that Carlsberg Vietnam will continue to thrive, deliver sustainable growth and exceptional products to our customers, as well as create lasting value for the communities we proudly serve," he added.