Ahold Delhaize announced Tuesday that CEO Kevin Holt plans to retire when his term expires on April 12, 2023. At the Annual General Meeting, which will be held on that date, Ahold Delhaize will nominate JJ Fleeman (pictured above) as a member of the Ahold Delhaize management board and CEO of the US branch.
Fleeman’s appointment to the board is subject to shareholder approval. After the meeting, Holt will remain with Ahold Delhaize USA in an advisory capacity until the end of 2023, to ensure a seamless transition.
“My time at the companies of Ahold Delhaize USA have been some of the best years of my career in retail,” said Holt in a statement, “I’m very proud of how our teams have ensured that our brands remain locally relevant and serve customers through our omnichannel offerings. I look forward to continuing to see our businesses thrive under JJ’s leadership.”
Fleeman has served as president of Peapod Digital Labs, a digital and ecommerce innovation center, and chief commercial and digital officer of Ahold Delhaize USA since May 2018. Through Peapod Digital Labs, he is responsible for enabling local brands to deliver an omnichannel grocery experience.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity to serve as CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA and work alongside our associates who are passionate about serving their customers and communities each and every day,” said Fleeman in a statement. “The U.S. businesses are very strong, with the local brands holding leading market positions where each of these companies operate. We are a proud part of the communities we serve, providing access to affordable, healthy, and sustainable food to millions of customers every day.”
Fleeman has spent the majority of his 30-year career in grocery retail in Ahold Delhaize companies, including at Food Lion, where he served various executive leadership roles. Fleeman will continue to be based in Salisbury, North Carolina, and spend time across other U.S. offices.
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