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Press release

Ahold Delhaize Announces Departure of FreshDirect’s Co-Founder and CEO, David McInerney; Farhan Siddiqi Named Interim CEO

New York City and Zaandam, the Netherlands – May 5, 2021 - Ahold Delhaize today announces that David McInerney, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of FreshDirect, the Northeast’s leading pure-play online fresh food grocer, will step down effective today. He will continue in an advisory role through the end of October 2021. Farhan Siddiqi, Chief Digital Officer of Ahold Delhaize, will serve as interim CEO and assume overall leadership responsibility on May 5, 2021. 

“FreshDirect has been an amazing, life-changing, 20-year adventure for me,” said McInerney. “I have been so fortunate to have worked alongside an incredible team of talented, dedicated people who all share the same passion for our mission – to make great fresh food easy to get. Our amazing farmers, ranchers and fishermen have inspired me every day as partners, teachers, and true friends. With the commitment and support of Frans, Farhan, and the entire Ahold Delhaize team, FreshDirect is in excellent hands and well positioned for continued success." 

Siddiqi said, "On behalf of Ahold Delhaize, I want to thank David for his dedication and leadership over the past two decades. As co-founder, David has been instrumental in establishing FreshDirect’s philosophy in bringing the best fresh and high-quality products to people’s doorsteps in the Tri-state area. We will ensure a smooth transition and honor FreshDirect's unique customer-focused and food-centric culture and deep connection with its suppliers. FreshDirect's customers will continue to enjoy the high-quality fresh food, great tasting products and stellar service for which FreshDirect is known.” 

A search will be initiated for a new CEO, who will lead FreshDirect in its next phase of growth as a member of the Ahold Delhaize family of great local brands.  

Ahold Delhaize and Centerbridge Partners announced on November 18, 2020, that they had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire FreshDirect, based in New York City. The sale closed on January 5, 2021. 

Last Refreshed: 4/19/2024 9:26:15 AM

Cautionary Notice 

This communication includes forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts may be forward-looking statements. Words and expressions such as will, to make, is, now, look forward, next, commitment, well positioned, continue(d), ensure, mission or other similar words or expressions are typically used to identify forward-looking statements. 

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and that may cause actual results of Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V. (the “Company”) to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in the Company’s public filings and other disclosures. Forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the Company’s management and assumptions based on information currently available to the Company’s management. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company does not assume any obligation to update such statements, except as required by law. 

About Ahold Delhaize   

Ahold Delhaize is one of the world’s largest food retail groups and a leader in both supermarkets and e-commerce. Its family of great local brands serves 54 million customers each week, both in stores and online, in the United States, Europe, and Indonesia. Together, these brands employ more than 414,000 associates in 7,137 grocery and specialty stores and include the top online retailer in the Benelux and the leading online grocers in the Benelux and the United States. Ahold Delhaize brands are at the forefront of sustainable retailing, sourcing responsibly, supporting local communities and helping customers make healthier choices. The company’s focus on four growth drivers – drive omnichannel growth, elevate healthy and sustainable, cultivate best talent and strengthen operational excellence – is helping to fulfil its purpose, achieve its vision and prepare its brands and businesses for tomorrow. Headquartered in Zaandam, the Netherlands, Ahold Delhaize is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam and Brussels stock exchanges (ticker: AD) and its American Depositary Receipts are traded on the over-the-counter market in the U.S. and quoted on the OTCQX International marketplace (ticker: ADRNY). For more information, please visit: www.aholddelhaize.com. 

About Fresh Direct 

FreshDirect is a leading online food grocer, delivering directly to customers across the New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas. FreshDirect is committed to sourcing the freshest and best-tasting meat, fish, produce, and specialty items through direct relationships with suppliers, growers, and farmers. Launched in 2002 and headquartered in the Bronx, NY, FreshDirect was acquired by Ahold Delhaize and Centerbridge Partners in January 2021.