Case Study: HEINEKEN achieves 175% ROI and higher-quality graduate hires with CEB

Heineken - Customer Case Study

HEINEKEN, the global brewer, needed to secure a strong pipeline of future leaders through its International Graduate Programme but was overwhelmed by high application volumes and a costly, time-consuming shortlisting process. With tens of thousands applying for only a few dozen places, the company sought a more objective, consistent selection approach that aligned candidates to HEINEKEN’s leadership competencies and cultural values.

HEINEKEN partnered with CEB to introduce online ability, personality and motivation assessments (integrated with its Lumesse system), plus streamlined screening and phone interviews. The new process reduced senior management time by 60% (saving 29 days), cut assessment days, increased final-stage pass rates (35% to 43%), delivered a 175% annual ROI, and improved satisfaction (91% applicant, 85% internal) while raising the overall quality and consistency of graduate hires.

Heineken

Alfonso Auñón García

International Graduate Program Manager