Ahold reorganizes U.S., European businesses

NEW YORK Ahold on Thursday announced a series of changes in its European and U.S. businesses to create a strong platform for future growth.

The reorganization in both continents delineates the responsibility for running operations, supporting the operations and business development, the company said in a release.

Dick Boer, the COO for Ahold Europe, member of the corporate executive board and CEO of Ahold Netherlands, continues to be responsible for all European activities and has appointed Sander van der Laan to head Albert Heijn as its new general manager. Van der Laan will return to the Netherlands from his current role at Giant-Carlisle in the United States to start in January 2010.

Lawrence Benjamin, the COO for Ahold USA and member of the corporate executive board, continues to be responsible for all U.S. operations and has appointed Carl Schlicker as CEO of four newly reorganized U.S. divisions, including Stop & Shop New England, Stop & Shop Metro New York, Giant-Landover and Giant-Carlisle.

Commenting on the global reorganization, Ahold's CEO John Rishton said "The changes we have announced today build a strong platform for future growth. We are further simplifying and streamlining our businesses and will be able to provide even greater focus on our customers. The changes will also allow Dick Boer and Larry Benjamin to devote more time to growth opportunities in existing and new markets."