Ahold makes next move in Delhaize integration

In its latest integration, Ahold Delhaize announced a new U.S. division, Ahold Delhaize USA, effective Jan. 1, 2018. The division will be the parent company for all of the company’s U.S. brands, including Stop & Shop, Food Lion, Giant, Hannaford, Giant/Martin's and Peapod. The division will also include the company’s Retail Business Services (RBS), a shared services company that supports the U.S. brands.

Ahold Delhaize USA will be led by Kevin Holt (left), who will become the chief executive officer of Ahold Delhaize USA. Holt is currently the chief operating officer of Ahold USA. Holt will remain a member of Ahold Delhaize's management board and executive committee and will continue to report to Dick Boer, CEO Ahold Delhaize. Frans Muller, deputy CEO Ahold Delhaize and chief integration officer, who serves as acting COO Delhaize America (ad interim), will focus on the continued smooth integration of Ahold Delhaize.

"Combining the parent companies of the U.S. brands and RBS is the natural next step in our brand-centric strategy in the U.S.,” Boer said. “Kevin is an outstanding leader with extensive food retail experience and a great choice to guide our U.S. businesses through this time of continuing change and evolving customer expectations."