Ahold Delhaize announced Kevin Holt, CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA, plans to retire and step down from the Ahold Delhaize Management Board when his term expires at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of shareholders on April 12, 2023. Ahold Delhaize will nominate JJ Fleeman as member of the Ahold Delhaize Management Board and CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA at the upcoming meeting. Fleeman’s appointment to the Management Board of Ahold Delhaize is subject to shareholder approval. Holt will remain with Ahold Delhaize USA in an advisory capacity until he retires at the end of 2023, to ensure a seamless transition.
Ahold Delhaize is among the largest food retailers in the United States. Brands include Food Lion, headquartered in Salisbury, N.C.; Giant Food; The Giant Company; Hannaford; and Stop & Shop.
Fleeman has spent the majority of his 30-year career in grocery retail in Ahold Delhaize companies, including Food Lion, the largest U.S. brand, serving a diverse array of executive leadership roles, covering strategy, commercial, digital, retail operations, marketing and merchandising. Fleeman will continue to be based in Salisbury, and spend time across other U.S. offices.
“JJ is an inspiring leader who will advance the U.S. businesses through omnichannel market share growth and who will continue to deliver on the Connected Customer strategy that Kevin has so carefully developed and implemented with the team over the past few years,” Peter Agnefjäll, chair of the Supervisory Board of Ahold Delhaize, stated. “It is a testament to Kevin’s leadership that we were able to select his successor from our own ranks.”
“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity to serve as CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA and work alongside our associates who are passionate about serving their customers and communities each and every day,” Fleeman said. “The U.S. businesses are very strong, with the local brands holding leading market positions where each of these companies operate. We are a proud part of the communities we serve, providing access to affordable, healthy and sustainable food to millions of customers every day.”
While Holt will stay on for another year, Frans Muller, president and CEO of Ahold Delhaize acknowledged Holt for his outstanding service and leadership in the company. Under Holt’s leadership, the U.S. businesses have performed “exceptionally well,” Muller added.
“My time at the companies of Ahold Delhaize USA have been some of the best years of my career in retail,” Holt said. “I’m very proud of how our teams have ensured that our brands remain locally relevant and serve customers through our omnichannel offerings. I look forward to continuing to see our businesses thrive under JJ’s leadership.”
