Peter Wennick, born on May 30, 1957, in the Netherlands, is the current chairman of Heineken after an extensive journey as CEO of ASML, a Dutch company dedicated to the development of software and hardware. He spent more than twenty years at ASML, serving as both CEO and chairman, and during his tenure the company achieved significant profits.
With a relatively low-profile background, Wennick’s early years were linked to the world of accounting and finance. Before joining ASML, he worked at Deloitte Accountants, where he specialized in semiconductors, referring to modern technology tools for creating electronic devices such as cell phones and various appliances.
ASML
ASML is the largest supplier in the semiconductor industry, as well as the main provider of photolithography, a process within the semiconductor field. Thanks to Wennick’s contributions, the company has become a leading force in the industry, and the Dutch executive participates in various boards and forums thanks to his expertise and innovative approach. Under his leadership, ASML received the “Best Innovator” award.
Peter is a specialist in finance and technology. He is a member of the Royal Netherlands Institute of Chartered Accountants, chairman of the Supervisory Board in the city of Eindhoven, a member of the Euronext Stock Exchange Board, and part of Startup Delta’s Circle of Influence.
His involvement in multiple organizations and boards reflects his commitment to both technology and finance. Since 2013, he served as ASML’s CEO and chairman, consolidating the company as “the most respected public semiconductor company” in the global semiconductor alliance.
Career at ASML
After leaving Deloitte, Wennick joined ASML in 1999 as a consultant and steadily rose through the ranks, becoming executive vice president, CFO, and later CEO and chairman. In the midst of a deep crisis in 2009, unlike many large companies, Wennick chose not to lay off employees. His strategic solutions earned him the position of CFO.
Since taking charge of the company’s finances, ASML achieved profits exceeding 260% and revenues increasing by over 160%. These impressive figures, along with an over 800% rise in stock value, took place under Wennick’s leadership.
It is worth noting that Wennick turned around the company’s situation in 2009. In his early years, when first promoted, he lacked the ability to oppose massive layoffs, and in the early 2000s, a large percentage of employees left. The years leading up to the severe 2009 crisis were difficult, as he faced low morale among colleagues.
Determined not to repeat the same mistake, in 2009 he retained the staff. The numbers validated his decision, and from that point, ASML began to soar. Peter has been deeply committed to technological and financial innovation.
Vision
During his time at ASML, which ended in 2024, Wennick was consistently aligned with innovation and continuous improvement. He maintained the philosophy of advancing daily and striving for excellence. He pursued this through work in semiconductors, a technology sector that evolves every day.
Before leaving, Peter led initiatives related to sustainability. He recognized that within the tech industry, environmental impact and manufacturing processes pose significant challenges. This is why he consistently worked to protect the environment and minimize carbon footprints.
At the end of 2024, Heineken announced Wennick’s appointment as chairman after he had joined its Compliance Supervisory Board. Following an eleven-year, highly successful tenure at ASML, where he positioned the company as the most important in the semiconductor sector, Wennick began 2025 with a new challenge ahead.
As CEO and chairman, he became the highest-paid executive at ASML. His long career at the company, which began in 1999 as a consultant, placed him in a privileged position in the business world and in his home country. He serves on various boards in Eindhoven and remains a strong supporter of technology and finance.
With expertise in both fields, Peter has become a professional specializing in technology and accounting, successfully merging these two areas in his work at ASML in the semiconductor industry.