15 Execs Out in Further Delhaize Shakeup

SALISBURY, N.C. — Fifteen high-level executives of Delhaize America have been cut in another round of corporate restructuring.

The changes — which follow new top executive appointments at the company’s Food Lion and Hannaford/Sweetbay banners announced a month ago — come as Delhaize failed to realize cost-saving targets set last summer, according to a memo detailing the new structure distributed to employees Friday by Roland Smith, Delhaize America’s chief executive officer.

“Developing the new officer structure required a great number of difficult decisions that led to the departure of many longtime, well-respected leaders,” Smith said in the memo.

The new structure consists of 50 officers, nearly a 25% reduction, Smith said. Around 80% of the leadership positions are based in Salisbury. The new structure creates some new roles and eliminates others.

Read more: Food Lion CEO Out in Revamp

Smith joined Delhaize in October, replacing Ron Hodge as CEO. In December, he named new presidents at the Food Lion and Hannaford chains, among other appointments.

T.R. Robinson, senior vice president for merchandising, and James Egan, senior vice president for retail operations, were among those who lost their jobs Friday. The following vice presidents are also leaving the company immediately: Kyle Price, produce merchandising; Pete Bonneau, center store merchandising; Mike Brooks, strategy; Jim Corby, produce merchandising; Steve Culver, government relations; Kristen Hanson, our brands; Mike Harris, risk management; Lisa Miller, sustainability; Lisa Toner, legal affairs.

In addition, four vice presidents will depart in March: Shawn Beichler, real estate; Steve Campbell, organization development; Bonnie Moore, associate relations; and Eric Watson, diversity and inclusion.