Ahold Delhaize CFO to Resign

Jeff Carr, who as chief financial officer has driven financial strategy for Ahold Delhaize and its predecessor since late 2011, has informed the Netherlands-based retailer of his intention to resign next spring. Ahold Delhaize said it has already launched a search for Carr’s successor.

Carr, 57, said he would not stand for another term as member of the management board after his current term expires at the company’s annual meeting in April 2020.

Carr joined Ahold as its CFO in late 2011 and was appointed by shareholders to the company’s management board in 2012. Under Carr’s watch, Ahold executed a $28 billion merger with Delhaize Group and was named the combined company’s CFO in 2016. He has championed a 1.8 billion Euro cost-reduction program, known as Save for Our Customers, to take place from 2019 to 2021 while increasing investment in areas such as digital, IT and the ongoing repositioning of the Stop & Shop banner in the U.S. 

“I respect Jeff’s decision and wish him and his family all the best for the future,” said Frans Muller, CEO of Ahold Delhaize, in a statement. “I would like to recognize Jeff for his significant contributions to the company as he remains a great partner in helping shape Ahold Delhaize, in driving our Save for Our Customers program, and in delivering on our commitments. I look forward to our continued collaboration through next April as we further implement our Leading Together strategy.” 

Carr, a British national, began his career at Unilever and has held senior roles in finance at Grand Metropolitan plc, Reckitt Benckiser and Associated British Foods. From 2005 to 2009, he was group finance director and a member of the board for easyJet plc. He was then appointed to the role of group finance director and a member of the board for FirstGroup plc, a transport operator in the U.K. and the U.S.

“It has been a pleasure to serve this great company and its associates during the last eight years,” Carr said in a statement. “I look forward to continue working with Frans to ensure a smooth transition and to help identify my successor.”