Wheeler to lead Ahold Delhaize’s shared services group

Ahold Delhaize has appointed Roger Wheeler president of its new shared services division, to be known as Retail Business Services.

That group, which officially launched Jan. 1, includes finance, HR, legal, IT, supply chain and own brands across the U.S. banners of Ahold and Delhaize, which completed their merger over the summer.

Wheeler for the last year has been the U.S. lead for the integration management office for the companies. In his new role, he will report to both Kevin Holt, COO, Ahold USA and Frans Muller, interim COO for Delhaize America.

Ahold Delhaize said Retail Business Services would provide “cost-effective, best-in-class support services to both organizations' local brands.” It is comprised of associates in various support groups at several locations, a spokesman said.

Wheeler is currently based in Quincy, Mass.

Wheeler has more than 20 years of experience in retail including prior roles as SVP of supply chain and third party management, Oracle program leader, and VP of meat and seafood at Ahold USA. Before joining Ahold, Wheeler worked for Shaw’s Supermarkets in numerous roles including VP, store manager, buyer and category manager. Wheeler holds a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering from West Point and an MBA from Bentley University, with a concentration in finance. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Persian Gulf War.

“With Roger’s extensive background, familiarity with the Ahold USA and Delhaize America businesses and demonstrated leadership of the U.S. Integration Management Office, we are confident Roger is the right person to lead this new organization,” Holt said in a statement.

Ahold Delhaize officials said last month it was on track to achieve 500 million euros (about $518 million U.S.) in synergies throughout its business, with 65% to 70% of that coming from the U.S.