Delhaize Taps CFO to Lead New Division

SN STAFF

BRUSSELS — Delhaize Group here said Monday it was a creating a new division called Delhaize Europe that seeks to increase collaboration between its Belgian operations and its newly expanded operations in Southeastern Europe.

Effective January 2012, Delhaize Europe will provide regional support services including areas of finance, human resources, legal, technology and procurement.

Delhaize Europe will be led by Stéfan Descheemaeker, currently executive vice president and chief financial officer of Delhaize Group. A search to succeed him as CFO is currently under way. Delhaize Belgium and Delhaize Group Southeastern Europe will report directly to Descheemaeker who will continue to be EVP of Delhaize Group.

Kostas Macheras will continue to lead the Southeastern Europe operations chief executive officer of the region.

As of Jan. 1, 2012, Dirk Van den Berghe will become CEO of Delhaize Belgium, reporting to Descheemaeker. Effective immediately, Van den Berghe has been named chief operating officer of Delhaize Belgium, reporting to Michel Eeckhout, who will remain CEO until the end of 2011.

In his position as EVP of Delhaize Group Eeckhout will continue to serve the group and contribute to key growth projects. He has led Delhaize Belgium since July 2007.

"The creation of Delhaize Europe is an important step for Delhaize Group fully in line with our 'New Game Plan' strategy," said Pierre-Olivier Beckers, president and CEO of Delhaize Group, in a prepared statement. "The growth of our European operations, especially after the recent acquisition of Delta Maxi in Southeastern Europe and our learnings with the Delhaize America organization set up in early 2010, have convinced us to set up this structure dedicated to fully leverage the scale of the business, create synergies and share best practices while taking into account cultural and local differences in the region."