- Nicolas Hollanders to leave as EVP, Human Resources, Sustainability, and IT of Delhaize Group
- Marc Croonen appointed as new Chief Human Resources Officer for Delhaize Group
- Dirk Van den Berghe, CEO of Delhaize Belgium and Luxembourg, appointed to Delhaize Group Executive Committee
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, 2014-3-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — Delhaize Group (Euronext, Brussels: DELB, NYSE: DEG), the Belgian international food retailer, is pleased to announce today the appointment of Marc Croonen as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of Delhaize Group. Mr. Croonen, formerly Human Resources Director of International Paper for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, will also become a member of the Delhaize Group Executive Committee. He will start effective May 1, 2014 and lead the Group’s HR, Sustainability, and Internal Communications functions, succeeding Nicolas Hollanders who is leaving the company. The IT functions that had been reporting to Mr. Hollanders will now report to Pierre Bouchut, the Group CFO.
“I want to thank Nicolas for his significant contributions to Delhaize Group over the last seven years and especially for his help with my recent transition into the Group,” said Frans Muller, President and CEO of Delhaize Group. “He has provided me with strong support during these past five months and I wish him well in his entrepreneurial endeavor.”
“I am very pleased to have Marc join my team,” said Mr. Muller, “as he brings deep experience across the range of HR disciplines, an international perspective, and a passion for organizational excellence. I am looking forward to working with him.”
Mr. Croonen comes to Delhaize Group with more than 25 years of experience leading human resources functions in large multinational companies. Prior to International Paper, Mr. Croonen was the Chief HR Officer of Dexia. He also held senior HR leadership roles at AB InBev, Danone, and Volkswagen and is a graduate of the Catholic University of Leuven with a Masters in Psychology of Organization and Work.
The Group is also pleased to announce the appointment of Dirk Van den Berghe, CEO of Delhaize Belgium and Luxembourg, to the Delhaize Group Executive Committee.
“I look forward to having Dirk join the Executive Committee,” said Mr. Muller. “He brings sound operational knowledge and keen strategic thinking that will help the Group in achieving its full potential.”
Mr. Van den Berghe has been CEO of Delhaize Belgium and Luxembourg for two years and has been with the Group for 15 years. He has held several roles at Delhaize Group, including leading operations in Eastern Europe (Delvita & Mega Image) and Asia (Super Indo), leading strategy for the Group, and running procurement, quality and supply chain for Delhaize Belgium and Luxembourg immediately prior to becoming its CEO.
Delhaize Group
Delhaize Group is a Belgian international food retailer present in nine countries on three continents. At the end of 2013, Delhaize Group’s sales network consisted of 3 534 stores. In 2013, Delhaize Group posted €21.1 billion ($28.0 billion) in revenues and €179 million ($237 million) in net profit (Group share). At the end of 2013, Delhaize Group employed approximately 160 000 people. Delhaize Group’s stock is listed on NYSE Euronext Brussels (DELB) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEG).
This press release is available in English, French and Dutch. You can also find it on the website http://www.delhaizegroup.com. Questions can be sent to investor@delhaizegroup.com.