Kevin Holt to Succeed James McCann as CEO of Ahold USA

James McCann, CEO of Ahold USA and member of the management board of Ahold Delhaize, has resigned in order to move out of full-time executive work and into a portfolio of non-executive and advisory roles. He will remain available to provide an appropriate hand over and transition through April 30, 2017.

McCann joined Ahold in September 2011 as chief commercial officer, taking over responsibilities for Ahold USA in 2013. After the merger between Ahold and Delhaize Group in July 2016, he became member of the Ahold Delhaize management board and continued his leadership role at Ahold USA.

"We thank James for his significant contributions both driving our e-commerce strategy whilst based in Europe and for the last three-and-a-half years driving the transformation at Ahold USA, supporting the Stop & Shop New York, Stop & Shop New England, Giant Landover, Giant Carlisle, Martin's and Peapod brands," says Dick Boer, CEO Ahold Delhaize. "We wish James and his wife Tania all the best for the future."

McCann will be succeeded at Ahold USA by Kevin Holt. Holt currently is CEO of Delhaize America and member of the management board of Ahold Delhaize.

"As the new leader of Ahold USA, Kevin brings a wealth of U.S. retail experience and he is recognized for his leadership skills," says Boer.

"I am looking forward to getting to know Ahold USA and the great brands it is supporting," says Holt. "I am leaving Delhaize America with pride for the transformations we have accomplished and with gratitude for the support and warmth I received from the many associates and customers."

Following Holt's departure from Delhaize America to assume his new role at Ahold USA, Delhaize America including the Food Lion and Hannaford brands will be reporting on an ad interim basis to Frans Muller, deputy CEO of Ahold Delhaize. Both Muller and Holt will assume their new accountabilities effective immediately and will continue to report to Boer.