Ahold Delhaize announces that Claude Sarrailh, CEO of Ahold Delhaize Europe & Indonesia, will leave the company
Zaandam, the Netherlands, May 6, 2026 – Ahold Delhaize today announces that Claude Sarrailh, CEO Ahold Delhaize Europe & Indonesia, has informed the company that he will pursue a career opportunity with Esselunga S.p.A, an Italian food retail chain, as their Chief Executive Officer. A six months’ notice period applies. The search for a successor has started.
Claude was appointed CEO of Ahold Delhaize Europe & Indonesia in 2024, joining the company from Metro where he served as a member of the Management Board and held the position of Chief Customer and Merchandise Officer at Metro Group in Dusseldorf, Germany. During his tenure at Ahold Delhaize, he has played an important role in strengthening the European leadership team, improving business performance, advancing own-brand strategies and joint sourcing.
“I want to thank Claude for his contribution to Ahold Delhaize, and I have confidence in our leadership team to continue delivering our strategy,” said Frans Muller, President and CEO of Ahold Delhaize. “Claude has been a valued colleague and leader, with a keen eye for leveraging scale across the company, including such areas as sourcing and digital, while fostering collaboration across markets. We appreciate his perspective in our Management Board discussions and wish him well for the future.”
"After a rewarding time with Ahold Delhaize I have decided to accept a new opportunity outside the company,” said Claude. “From the first day onwards I have been impressed by the exceptional drive, the talent and the full dedication of all the Ahold Delhaize teams that I have had the privilege to work with. I am proud of the strong results we have delivered and the progress we have made to better leverage our Group scale in support of our great local brands and their customers. I leave with great respect for the company and full confidence in its future. Until my departure, my focus remains on the implementation of our strategy while working towards a seamless transition."
“I am grateful for the leadership and contribution Claude has brought to Ahold Delhaize during his time with the company,” said Wiebe Draijer, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Ahold Delhaize. “Claude is a highly regarded leader, and we appreciate his commitment to remain fully engaged to support an orderly transition. On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to thank him for his dedication and wish him success in his next role.”
The Supervisory Board has initiated the succession process and will provide updates as appropriate.
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