BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – Delhaize Group (Euronext, Brussels: DELB, NYSE: DEG), the Belgian international food retailer, announces that Pierre-Olivier Beckers, its President and Chief Executive Officer, intends to retire from his executive role by the end of this year and will continue to serve as a company director.
As part of Delhaize’s succession plan, Mr Beckers will stay in his post until a new CEO is appointed and a smooth transition has taken place. He will continue to serve on the Board, in a non-executive capacity, after stepping down as CEO.
Mr. Beckers joined Delhaize Group in 1983, has been a director of the company since 1995 and was appointed President and CEO in January 1999. In almost 15 years as CEO he has led Delhaize Group during a period of fast change in the global food retail environment.
Under Mr Beckers’ leadership, Delhaize transformed itself from a Belgian company with an international presence to an integrated group sharing the same vision and values. Since 1999, the number of stores has grown from 1,904 to 3,411 in ten countries on three continents, revenues grew from €12.9 to €22.6 billion. More recently, Delhaize Group has increased its growth profile with 30.7 % of the stores now located in growth markets, generating 14 % of the group’s revenues compared to less than 5% when Mr Beckers took office.
The Board of Directors is conducting a search for a successor and will consider both internal and external candidates. It is actively engaged in the process to facilitate a smooth and orderly transition of the CEO by the end of 2013.
Mats Jansson, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said: “Pierre-Olivier Beckers has worked for Delhaize for 30 years with tireless energy and absolute passion, displaying very strong values and great respect for people. As shown by our recent results, business performance continues to strengthen following our initiatives over recent years. This positions the company well for the future and provides a great platform for his successor. Pierre-Olivier will lead the company until a smooth transition has taken place and we look forward to continue working with him as a colleague on the Board.”
Pierre-Olivier Beckers said: “While serving this company and working with the Board of Directors, great colleagues and great teams has been the most rewarding job I can imagine, the Board of directors and I agree that the moment is right to put in place a successor who will lead the group and its evolution into the future. Until then I remain fully committed to leading and supporting the company and its 158,000 associates.”
Source: Delhaize Group
