Ahold Delhaize has announced that its Supervisory Board has nominated Claude Sarrailh as a member of the Management Board. Claude will join the company on September 1, 2024, as Executive Vice President. Subject to shareholder approval, he will officially become a member of the Management Board and CEO of Ahold Delhaize Europe & Indonesia on October 1, 2024.
Claude is transitioning from Metro AG, where he has served as Chief Customer and Merchandise Officer and a Management Board member since 2022. He began his career at Metro in 2006 after spending a decade with Carrefour, holding various customer, procurement, and executive roles across Europe. He also spent three years as CEO of Metro China before joining the Metro Management Board. A French national, Claude holds a Master of Finance degree from the Ecole Supérieur de Gestion in Paris, and is married with three children. He will be based in the Netherlands.
Peter Agnefjäll, Chair of the Supervisory Board, expressed enthusiasm about Claude’s appointment, highlighting his extensive experience in both emerging and developed markets and his expertise in retail, digital, wholesale, and food service sectors. He praised Claude’s passion for building commercial and strategic capabilities, developing people, and fostering inclusive, results-focused cultures, noting that he will be a valuable addition to Ahold Delhaize’s Executive Committee.
Claude shared his excitement about joining Ahold Delhaize, a company he has long admired. He looks forward to working with the team dedicated to providing high-quality products and services to customers across Europe and Indonesia. He emphasized the importance of team diversity and is eager to connect with the local brands under Ahold Delhaize, learning about their unique strengths and challenges.
Frans Muller, CEO of Ahold Delhaize, echoed the positive sentiment, noting Claude’s broad international experience and deep expertise in retail, customer innovation, and team leadership. He emphasized that Claude’s background in sourcing, digital, and omnichannel retail will be a perfect fit for Ahold Delhaize and its local brands.
Claude’s appointment will be put forward for shareholder approval at an upcoming Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), the date of which will be announced soon. Current CEO of Ahold Delhaize Europe & Indonesia, Wouter Kolk, will step down from the Management Board effective October 1, 2024.
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