Europe-based retailer Ahold Delhaize has announced the creation of Ahold Delhaize USA, a move that will take effect on 1 January 2018.
Ahold Delhaize USA will be the parent company for all of Ahold Delhaize's US companies, including its local brands, Stop & Shop, Food Lion, Giant, Hannaford, Giant/Martin's, and Peapod, as well as Retail Business Services (RBS), a US shared services company providing support to the brands.
The group will be led by Kevin Holt, currently COO of Ahold USA, who will be appointed CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA on 1 January 2018.
In this new role Holt will remain a member of Ahold Delhaize's management board and executive committee and will continue to report to Dick Boer, CEO Ahold Delhaize.
'Combining the parent companies of the US brands and RBS is the natural next step in our brand-centric strategy in the US,' said Boer. 'Kevin is an outstanding leader with extensive food retail experience and a great choice to guide our US businesses through this time of continuing change and evolving customer expectations.'
'I'm excited that we are moving into this next phase where we can focus on further strengthening our brands and winning in our markets,' said Holt. 'Ahold Delhaize USA and its US brands are well positioned to continue to drive growth and innovation and meet the evolving needs of customers, both in stores and online.'
