Ahold appoints chief commercial development officer

AMSTERDAM — Ahold has tapped retail veteran James McCann to serve in the newly created role of chief commercial development officer.

McCann, who most recently served as executive director for Carrefour France and a member of Carrefour's group executive board, will focus on developing new and innovative ways to serve customer needs, build customer loyalty and broaden Ahold's offering. He also will be responsible for leading Ahold's e-commerce initiatives and will strengthen the company's online business globally.

In addition, McCann will play a key role in expanding the company's operations in new markets. In these capacities, he will work with the chief operating officers for Ahold Europe and Ahold USA divisions, according to Ahold CEO Dick Boer.

The Ahold supervisory board plans to nominate McCann for appointment to Ahold's corporate executive board at its annual shareholders meeting next April 17. Until that time, McCann will be an acting member of the corporate executive board.

Ahold's U.S. division operates such chains as Stop & Shop, Giant-Landover, Giant-Carlisle and Martin's.