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QUINCY, Mass. — Ahold USA has announced management changes as part of a previously announced restructuring effort meant to simplify operations, speed decision making and support stores more effectively.
Ahold USA has announced management changes as part of a previously announced restructuring effort meant to simplify operations, speed decision making and support stores more effectively.
"With a clear and constant focus on serving the evolving needs of customers and stores, we are making significant, rapid progress in turning Ahold USA into an even faster, stronger and more responsive organization," said James McCann, chief operating officer of Ahold USA. "While there are still important decisions to make over the next few weeks, we now have a new organizational framework in place — ahead of schedule — that reduces management layers, increases the number of direct reports for many managers and brings important decisions closer to the stores that serve local shoppers each day."
The changes include appointing Nick Bertram, currently senior vice president of store strategy and execution, to the role of senior vice president of merchandising strategy and support. This is a new function that will help simplify the organization and improve customer service by providing core merchandising teams with comprehensive support on product assortment, pricing and promotions, according to the company.
Dean Wilkinson, currently vice president of sales and marketing for Giant Landover, will replace Bertram as senior vice president of store strategy and execution.
Marissa Nelson, currently senior vice president of merchandising services and support, will be appointed senior vice president of responsible retailing and healthy living. She will be responsible for leading an expanded focus on healthy living across Ahold USA’s companies.
Steve Rowell, currently senior vice president and deputy general counsel, will serve as senior vice president, deputy general counsel and communications. He will take on additional responsibilities overseeing external communications, including media relations, government relations and community affairs.
The company’s new organizational structure is expected to go into effect on June 22.
Also, as previously announced, Mark McGowan is moving into his roles as executive vice president of operations for Ahold USA and president of the Stop & Shop New England Division. And Don Sussman, who stepped in to lead the New England Division on an interim basis, will now return full time to his role as president of the Stop & Shop New York Metro Division.