ZAANDAM, The Netherlands, Oct. 10, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Ahold (NYSE:AHO)(Other OTC:AHODF) Corporate Executive Board has appointed Arthur Brouwer Chief Business Support Officer, effective October 1, 2003. Brouwer, currently Chief Support Officer for Europe Region and Ahold Senior Vice President of Management Development & Organization, joined the company in 1992.
The Chief Business Support Officer is a new role reporting to the President and CEO of Ahold, Anders Moberg.
In a statement to the shareholders on September 4, 2003, Anders Moberg outlined his strategy for reducing costs by standardizing processes and reorganizing the business around marketplaces with similar characteristics. The Chief Business Support Officer will work in conjunction with Ahold's local businesses to lower the cost base. Brouwer will oversee common processes in the areas of Sourcing, Information Systems & Technology, and Supply Chain Management for the company's retail operations in the United States and Europe.
Commenting on the appointment, Anders Moberg said: "I am very happy that Arthur has accepted this great challenge. Given his extensive experience in various fields I am confident that he will be able to drive the necessary synergies throughout the company. We will appoint a successor to Arthur's role as Senior Vice President of Management Development & Organization in due course."