Dick Boer Appointed Next CEO of Ahold

From March 2011, Ahold’s Corporate Executive Board will comprise Dick Boer (CEO), Kimberly Ross (CFO), and Lodewijk Hijmans van den Bergh (Chief Corporate Governance Counsel).

Sep 30 2010 --- Ahold announced that Dick Boer has been appointed CEO of Ahold, effective March 2011 when John Rishton will leave the company to become CEO of Rolls-Royce plc. Dick is currently Chief Operating Officer (COO) Ahold Europe and member of the Corporate Executive Board. He has been with the company since 1998.

In addition, Carl Schlicker, currently CEO of Ahold USA Retail, has been appointed COO Ahold USA. He will assume this role when Larry Benjamin retires in early 2011. Sander van der Laan, currently General Manager of Albert Heijn, will replace Dick Boer as COO Ahold Europe. Both Carl and Sander will report to Dick.

From March 2011, Ahold’s Corporate Executive Board will comprise Dick Boer (CEO), Kimberly Ross (CFO), and Lodewijk Hijmans van den Bergh (Chief Corporate Governance Counsel). This structure will ensure that the new COOs spend their time managing and strengthening the businesses, while the board focuses on strategy and growth.

René Dahan, Chairman of Ahold’s Supervisory Board, said “Ahold has benefited greatly from John and Larry’s leadership. They leave Ahold in a strong position, exceptionally well placed for growth and the Board thanks them for their enormous contribution. I and the Board are delighted that Dick has accepted the role of CEO and we are sure he will do an outstanding job. Dick, Carl and Sander are all extremely talented retailers and strong, experienced leaders. They all played critical roles in the transformation of Ahold and will take the growth strategy forward.”

John Rishton said “It has been an honor and a privilege to work with the outstanding people at Ahold. I wish Dick and everyone at the company great success for the future.”

Dick Boer said “I feel extremely proud and excited by the opportunity to lead Ahold as we continue to strengthen and grow the business.”