Ahold Delhaize announced October 5 that James McCann, a 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.
He will be succeeded as COO of Ahold USA by Kevin Holt, who currently is CEO of Delhaize America and a member of the management board of Ahold Delhaize. He will relocate to AUSA’s headquarters in Carlisle, PA immediately. Holt was named CEO of Delhaize America in July 2014. Prior to that, he was president of retail operations for Supervalu. He also held executive posts with Sears Holding and Meijer.
McCann joined Ahold in September 2011 as COO, taking over responsibilities for Ahold USA in 2013 upon the retirement of Carl Schlicker. 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. Before joining Ahold USA, the British born McCann held a number of executive positions with some of Europe’s largest retailers, including Sainsbury, Tesco and Carrefour.
Dick Boer, CEO of Ahold Delhaize said: “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. We wish James and his wife Tania all the best for the future.”
Of Holt’s appointment, Boer said: “As the new leader of Ahold USA, Kevin brings a wealth of US retail experience and he is recognized for his leadership skills.”
Holt added: “I am looking forward to getting to know Ahold USA and the great brands it is supporting. 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.