ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - Ahold Delhaize is starting off 2019 with the acquisition of new talent in an effort to take its brand to new digital heights. As of January 28, Farhan Siddiqi will start as its new Chief Digital Officer and member of the Executive Committee. With a focus on data analytics, personalization, and loyalty, Siddiqi will supervise a transformation of the company’s digital presence and drive innovation across the company’s brands.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Farhan to Ahold Delhaize,” said Frans Muller, President and CEO, in a press release. “With his knowledge of the digital customer experience in a wide variety of industries, he will help further accelerate Ahold Delhaize's digital transformation, a key element in our Leading Together strategy. Farhan will drive best practice sharing in digital and e-commerce across our great local brands while leveraging our global scale, supporting us in doubling net consumer online sales to around 7 billion euros by 2021."

The new CDO brings a rich background, having launched customer loyalty programs, digital payment solutions, and strategic partnerships in his leadership positions at Target, Bank of America, and General Electric. His most notable and recent experience was as the CDO for McDonald’s, a role he held since March of 2017, after joining the fast-food chain in June of 2016 as Vice President of Global Digital Experience. Siddqi’s leadership had a direct and immediate impact, as he launched mobile commerce in 20,000 restaurants, a new mobile app, and upgraded the self-service ordering kiosk system, along with extending management capabilities and Customer Relationship Management capabilities.

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Ahold Delhaize