Ahold Delhaize announced a planned leadership transition that will see President and CEO Frans Muller retire in 2027, with Thierry Garnier nominated as his successor, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.
With Muller’s planned retirement, the departure of Europe & Indonesia CEO Claude Sarrailh, and the previously announced exit of Ahold Delhaize USA CEO JJ Fleeman, the company is set to see turnover across its three most senior leadership roles. Ahold Delhaize adheres to a rigid predetermined executive retirement age policy.
Following the merger, of Ahold and Delhaize, Muller served as deputy CEO and chief integration officer of the combined company, helping align operations, strategy and culture across its U.S. and European businesses. He also took on additional operational responsibility as acting chief operating officer for Delhaize America from October 2016 to January 2018, overseeing key U.S. banners during a transitional period.
Under his leadership as CEO, Ahold Delhaize advanced its “Growing Together” strategy, focusing on strengthening omnichannel capabilities, expanding private-label penetration and leveraging scale across sourcing and digital infrastructure while maintaining a decentralized structure built around local brands.
Garnier, currently chief executive of Kingfisher plc, is expected to assume the top role following the company’s Annual General Meeting in April 2027. His appointment to both the management board and the CEO position will be put to shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting.
Supervisory Board Chair Wiebe Draijer said Garnier brings “a strong track record in retail, digital transformation, deep international experience and a clear focus on customers, associates and the future of grocery retail,” adding that his approach aligns with the company’s strategy of balancing scale with local market autonomy.
Draijer credited Muller with playing “a defining role” in shaping the company following the merger, citing his leadership, deep understanding of core markets and “unwavering commitment to long-term value creation” as having a lasting impact on the group.
A dual French and British national, Garnier has led Kingfisher since 2019 and previously spent more than two decades at Carrefour, where he held senior roles including CEO of Carrefour International and CEO of Carrefour Asia. He also serves as a non-executive director at Tesco plc.
In a statement, Garnier said he is “honored by the nomination” and plans to build on Ahold Delhaize’s existing strategy.
Separately, the company said Claude Sarrailh, CEO of Ahold Delhaize Europe & Indonesia, will step down after accepting a chief executive role at Italian retailer Esselunga. He will remain with the company during a six-month notice period while a successor is sought.
Sarrailh, who assumed his regional role in 2024, was credited with strengthening the company’s European leadership structure, improving performance and advancing private-label and sourcing initiatives.
