Ahold Delhaize has finalized the timetable for its leadership transition, announcing that Thierry Garnier will become president and CEO on March 3, 2027, succeeding Frans Muller, who will retire after leading the international grocery retailer since 2018.
The transition follows the Supervisory Board’s May 2026 nomination of Garnier as Muller’s successor. Shareholders approved his appointment at an Extraordinary General Meeting on October 13.
Garnier’s appointment to the Management Board carries a four-year term extending through the company’s 2031 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.
During the nearly two-month transition period, Garnier will spend significant time visiting Ahold Delhaize’s operating markets and retail brands, meeting employees and becoming familiar with the company’s businesses and customers.
Muller will retain full responsibility for managing Ahold Delhaize until March 3 and will work with Garnier and the Supervisory Board to facilitate the leadership transition.
The succession will place Garnier at the helm of one of the world’s largest food retail groups, whose U.S. operations include Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop. The company also operates major supermarket and online grocery businesses across Europe and Indonesia.
Muller’s departure will conclude a tenure that included substantial investments in digital commerce, store modernization and the integration of the company’s U.S. and European operations.
The leadership change comes as Ahold Delhaize continues pursuing its Growing Together strategy, which emphasizes customer value, omnichannel retailing, technology and operational efficiency.
Garnier will assume responsibility for executing that strategy across the company’s geographically diverse portfolio, including its substantial East Coast supermarket operations.
Ahold Delhaize said Muller will remain fully engaged in leading the company until the transition is completed.