Ahold Delhaize announced March 24 that JJ Fleeman will depart from his role as CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA, effective at the end of June, to pursue another career opportunity.
Fleeman has spent his entire 36-year career in grocery retail in Ahold Delhaize companies, including Food Lion, the grocer’s largest U.S. brand.
Frans Muller, president and CEO of Zaandam, the Netherlands-based Ahold Delhaize, thanked Fleeman for his contributions over the years.
“I am grateful for the strong omnichannel foundation JJ has helped build, and I have full confidence in our U.S. leadership team to continue executing our Growing Together strategy.
“JJ’s strength in bringing teams together, developing a ‘winning together’ culture, combined with his ability to recognize talent and personal leadership will leave a lasting legacy in our company,” Muller continued.
“We have appreciated JJ’s vision and business insights as part of our management board conversations and wish him success in his future endeavors.”
Fleeman’s varied roles
Fleeman has held various executive leadership roles, covering strategy, commercial, digital, retail operations, marketing and merchandising. As the leader of Peapod Digital Labs, he was instrumental in laying the foundations of the omnichannel model that continues to drive the company’s success. He was appointed CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA and member of the Ahold Delhaize Management Board at the company’s 2023 shareholder meeting.
“Over the past 36 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary teams across the companies of Ahold Delhaize, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together for our customers and communities,” Fleeman said. “As I look ahead to a new chapter, I’m grateful for the associates who bring our brands to life every day, and I’m committed to supporting a smooth transition.”
“On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to thank JJ for his dedicated leadership and the progress made across our U.S. businesses,” added Wiebe Draijer, chair of the board. “We are committed to an orderly transition and to ensuring continued focus on the execution of our Growing Together strategy, serving our customers and communities in the markets our brands operate in.”
Ahold Delhaize said it will provide updates on the succession process when warranted.
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