Exec brings wealth of U.S. retail experience to new role

ZAANDAM, Netherlands — Ahold Delhaize announced today that James McCann, a member of the company’s management board, has resigned from his position as chief executive officer at Ahold USA in order to move out of full-time executive work and into a portfolio of nonexecutive and advisory roles.

James McCann

McCann will be succeeded by Kevin Holt, CEO of Delhaize America and a member of Ahold Delhaize’s management board.

McCann joined Ahold in 2011 and took over at Ahold USA in 2013. Following the merger of Delhaize Group and Koninklijke Ahold N.V., which was completed in July, McCann took a position on the management board that was established to provide day-to-day oversight of the company. He also continued his leadership role at Ahold USA.

Kevin Holt

“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,” said Ahold Delhaize CEO Dick Boer. “We wish James and his wife, Tania, all the best for the future.”

Boer noted that Holt brings a wealth of U.S. retail experience to his new role. Holt will report on an ad interim basis to Frans Muller, deputy CEO of Ahold Delhaize.

“I am looking forward to getting to know Ahold USA and the great brands it is supporting,” Holt said. “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.”

Ahold Delhaize is the fourth-largest food retailer in the United States by market share, behind Walmart, Kroger Co. and Albertsons Cos. The combined company has 6,500 stores around the world. More than half of its annual sales come from the United States.