ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - Finance is a critical element of business operations, which is why Ahold Delhaize is strengthening this division with the appointment of a new Chief. Stepping in as Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Management Board, Jolanda Poots-Bijl has joined the grocer’s ranks.

"Ahold Delhaize is a business that plays an important role in the daily life of many people, from the emphasis on affordable healthy eating to the transition of food retail into a more sustainable system,” commented Poots-Bijl. “Ahold Delhaize is therefore in a good position to address some of the challenges of our time and I am honored to become part of the team. I look forward to getting to know the people, the business, and the customers."

According to a press release, Poots-Bijl will join the company in mid-August as Executive Vice President of Finance and a member of the Executive Committee. She will start as CFO on October 1 after an induction period.

Poots-Bijl’s first six weeks with Ahold Delhaize will consist of immersive onboarding, allowing her to get to know the company, its brands, and teams before starting in the CFO role. Poots-Bijl will be nominated by the Supervisory Board to be appointed member of the Management Board at an upcoming Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders, the date of which will be announced soon.

"I am excited that Jolanda will be joining our company,” said Frans Muller, Chief Executive Officer. “She is a seasoned CFO with broad international working experience and a passion for digital transformation and sustainability. She has relevant experience in a wide range of sectors and brings finance leadership that can help us deliver our Leading Together strategy. She is a passionate leader with a keen eye for talent development and will be a strong addition to our Executive team. We look forward to welcoming her."

Poots-Bijl joins the team from the construction company Van Oord, where she has held the position of CFO since 2016. Her longstanding finance career is decorated by several key CFO positions with global and listed companies.

"It is with great delight that we welcome Jolanda to the company. She will bring passionate finance leadership to the Ahold Delhaize Management Board,” Peter Agnefjäll, Chair of the Supervisory Board, said. “She has a track record of shaping strategy, and will drive implementation from a strong functional leadership position, without losing sight of the operations of our great local brands."

As this transition takes place, current CFO Natalie Knight will stay with the company through early July.

Congratulations to Jolanda Poots-Bijl!

Ahold Delhaize