BRUSSELS — Delhaize Group has tapped fast-food industry veteran Roland Smith to head its U.S. supermarket operations.

Delhaize Group has tapped fast-food industry veteran Roland Smith to head its U.S. supermarket operations.

Smith, who most recently served as president and chief executive officer of Wendy’s Co., will serve as president and CEO of Delhaize America and executive vice president of Delhaize Group effective October 15. He will succeed Ronald Hodge, who is retiring after 33 years with the company.

Hodge will remain with Delhaize America in an advisory role for a short time after stepping down as president and CEO, the company said.

"[Smith] is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of managing large consumer businesses, reenergizing brands and driving top- and bottom-line growth," says Delhaize Group president and CEO Pierre-Olivier Beckers. "We are confident his background and experience will serve to strengthen and accelerate the ongoing transformation of our business in the U.S."

Smith previously served as president and CEO of Wendy’s/Arby’s Group Inc., Triarc Cos., Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc., American Golf Corp. and National Golf Properties and AMF Bowling Worldwide Inc.