April 17, 2024 – Ahold Delhaize is one of the world's largest retail companies. When considered together, its companies employ over 400,000 associates, comprising five generations, 67% of which are Millennial or younger. To make sure the voice of the next generation is represented in the board room, Ahold Delhaize is taking a step towards the future by creating an advisory board to the Executive Committee (ExCo) called the "NextCo".
By creating the NextCo, Ahold Delhaize ensures that the ExCo has access to the viewpoints of the next generation in the strategy and decision-making process. Furthermore, we recognize the importance of providing leadership development and advisory opportunities for future leaders.
The NextCo members represent the Millennial demographic across various key countries in which Ahold Delhaize companies operate. They were chosen out of a pool of 45 applicants, nominated by senior leaders throughout all great local brands and support companies. The NextCo Leaders' appointments will run for 18-24 months.
They are:
- Valerie Soto, Value Messaging Manager, Stop & Shop (U.S.)
- Frits Kesting, Privacy Counsel, Ahold Delhaize (Netherlands)
- Anđela Petrović, Strategy Director, Ahold Delhaize USA (U.S.)
- Eline van der Hulst, Store Manager, Albert Heijn (Netherlands)
- Jess Rodgers, Site Director, ADUSA Distribution & Transportation (U.S.)
- Jolien Pap, Associate Project Manager, bol (Netherlands)
The NextCo together with the ExCo have chosen a number of topics as their focus areas for the next months, ranging from engagement with the new Ahold Delhaize strategy to sustainability.
We would like to congratulate the NextCo members on their appointment and look forward to seeing the progress they make in contributing to Ahold Delhaize and each of its companies’ future successes. As Ahold Delhaize continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its customers and associates, initiatives like NextCo will play a crucial role in advising Ahold Delhaize and its brands for the future.
