Jean Jereissati: The Brazilian Visionary Leading AB InBev’s Middle Americas

In the global beverage industry, the name Jean Jereissati stands out as a symbol of leadership, resilience, and transformation. Born in Fortaleza, Brazil, and educated at some of the country’s and world’s best institutions, he has built a career that spans continents and cultures. From his humble beginnings in Brazil to becoming the CEO of Middle Americas at AB InBev, Jereissati has navigated change, embraced challenges, and consistently delivered results. His story is more than a corporate success—it is a tale of vision, innovation, and family values.

This article provides a comprehensive look at Jean Jereissati’s background, education, career achievements, personal life, and leadership philosophy.

Early Life and Education

Roots in Fortaleza

Jean Jereissati was born in 1974 in Fortaleza, Ceará, a city in northeastern Brazil. Growing up, he dreamed of creating a business of his own, with a desire to make an impact on his community. That entrepreneurial spirit would later fuel his career within one of the world’s largest beverage companies.

Academic Journey

He began his education at Colégio Christus in Fortaleza and later attended Colégio Bandeirantes in São Paulo, where he refined his academic discipline. His strong performance in school paved the way for him to enter Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV-SP), one of Brazil’s top universities.

At FGV, he earned a degree in Business Administration (1992–1996). Later in life, he enhanced his knowledge with executive education at INSEAD in France and the Wharton School in the United States. He also completed a corporate MBA at Ambev, blending practical experience with academic rigor.

Career Path

Entry into Ambev

In 1998, Jean Jereissati joined Ambev, the Brazilian brewing giant that later became part of AB InBev. His early years were marked by roles in sales, marketing, and operations. His sharp instincts, results-driven mindset, and ability to connect with people quickly set him apart.

Building Leadership in Brazil

For more than a decade, from 1998 to 2011, Jereissati served as Regional Director of Sales and Operations. He led a unit with over 2,000 employees and R$1.5 billion in EBITDA. His business unit was recognized as the Best Business Unit three times in four years (2007, 2009, and 2010).

In 2011, he was promoted to Trade Marketing Director, where he developed and implemented strategies to strengthen brands, expand the beer category, and capture greater market share.

International Roles

Dominican Republic

In 2013, he became Vice President and CEO of Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, overseeing operations in the Dominican Republic and leading the company’s integration into AB InBev.

China and Asia Pacific

In 2015, Jereissati was appointed Business Unit President in China, based in Shanghai. Two years later, he advanced to Zone President of Asia Pacific North, managing a region that included China, one of the most competitive beer markets in the world. His ability to adapt to cultural and business challenges in Asia showcased his versatility as a leader.

Returning to Brazil

In 2019, he returned to Brazil as BU President. Shortly after, in January 2020, he became CEO of Ambev, one of AB InBev’s largest subsidiaries. Leading Ambev through the pandemic years was one of the most challenging phases of his career.

Despite market uncertainties, Jereissati focused on digital innovation and sustainability. Under his leadership, Ambev expanded its BEES B2B platform for small business owners and accelerated Zé Delivery, a direct-to-consumer platform that became a household name in Brazil. He also emphasized environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, strengthening Ambev’s commitment to sustainability.

CEO Middle Americas

In January 2025, Jean Jereissati assumed his current role as CEO of Middle Americas at AB InBev, based in Mexico City. This role oversees operations across Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It marks a new cycle in his career, expanding his influence to a region filled with growth opportunities.

Leadership Style and Philosophy

Purpose Beyond Products

For Jereissati, Ambev and AB InBev are not just about producing beverages. He describes the company as part of a larger ecosystem: from farmers to employees, from bar owners to the millions of consumers. His vision is about connecting people and creating value for communities.

Embracing Sustainability

He has made ESG principles central to his leadership. Water conservation, renewable energy, and circular packaging are part of his long-term goals. He believes that sustainability is not just a corporate responsibility but also a competitive advantage.

Innovation and Digitalization

Digital transformation has been one of his strongest focus areas. Platforms like BEES and Zé Delivery are key examples of how Jereissati is modernizing the beverage industry, using technology to build resilience and reach consumers more directly.

Personal Life

Family

Jean Jereissati is married to Maria Celeste Espósito. They tied the knot in 2010. Together, they have two sons, Pedro and Guilherme. Pedro, born in São Paulo, is creative and imaginative, while Guilherme is disciplined and athletic. The family has lived in Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and China before returning to São Paulo in 2018.

He also has siblings, including Vítor Jereissati and Maria Clara Jereissati Dall’Olio. Despite his demanding career, Jereissati has spoken openly about the importance of being present for his family and the lessons he has learned from his father.

Sports and Personal Growth

Outside of business, Jean Jereissati has a passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In 2024, at the age of 50, he was awarded a black belt by his master, Fábio Gurgel, after 30 years of practice. That same year, he competed as a black belt and won a silver medal, marking both a personal achievement and a metaphor for lifelong learning.

For Jereissati, martial arts symbolize discipline, humility, and continuous growth—values he applies to leadership as well.

Achievements

• CEO of Ambev (2020–2024), successfully leading the company during the pandemic.

• CEO Middle Americas (2025–present), expanding his leadership to a broader Latin American market.

• Pioneered digital platforms such as BEES and Zé Delivery.

• Strong advocate for ESG initiatives, making sustainability a pillar of business strategy.

• Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice, where he shares leadership insights and personal reflections.

• Achieved personal milestones, including earning a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu at age 50.

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Conclusion

Jean Jereissati is more than a corporate executive. He is a global leader who has built a career around adaptability, innovation, and purpose. From Fortaleza to São Paulo, Shanghai, Santo Domingo, and now Mexico City, his journey is proof that leadership thrives on courage, humility, and vision.

As AB InBev’s CEO of Middle Americas, he continues to shape the future of one of the world’s most influential beverage companies while balancing his roles as a father, husband, martial artist, and community builder.

His life and career demonstrate that true leadership is not just about profit—it is about building connections, creating opportunities, and leaving a lasting impact on society.