Belgian supermarket operator Delhaize Group (NYSE: DEG), which owns the Food Lion chain in America, will soon have a new international CEO.
On Wednesday, Delhaize announced that it has appointed Frans Muller to replace current Chief Executive Officer Pierre-Olivier Beckers upon his retirement on Nov. 8. Muller will actually join the company on Oct. 14, to commence a three-week period in which he can acquaint himself with the company and learn the ropes from Beckers.
The company says Muller has "more than 15 years of senior leadership experience in retail" at firms such as Germany's Metro AG and Metro Cash & Carry, where he was also CEO. Delhaize says that "his extensive operational experience, from supply chain management to procurement, and proven ability to drive growth will be critical to Delhaize Group's continued momentum."
In related news, Delhaize announced that CEO for Delhaize America Roland Smith has today resigned. Henceforth, the company's U.S. operations will report directly to the CEO for the company as a whole.
