Dick received the royal decoration from Astrid Nienhuis, Mayor of Heemstede.
Former Ahold Delhaize CEO Dick Boer was honored yesterday with a royal decoration during a farewell event for external stakeholders of Ahold Delhaize, including Dutch and Belgian business leaders, suppliers, government officials and non-governmental organizations.
Dick, who handed over the helm to CEO Frans Muller as of July 1, was named Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau, a recognition granted by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands for rendering exceptional service to society. Dick was commended among others for his initiatives to support healthier eating in the Netherlands and for his efforts in the NL2025 platform, aimed at strengthening the Netherlands through better education, sustainable growth and a vital society.
During the event, with the theme “A vital role in society”, several speakers participated in on-stage conversations with Dick Boer following an opening by Ahold Delhaize Chairman Jan Hommen.
Dr. Liesbeth van Rossum, an internist-endocrinologist and professor in the field of obesity and biological stress, discussed the role food retailers can play in healthier living for customers and related challenges and opportunities. Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands, StartupDelta Special Envoy, engaged with Dick in a debate on innovation and entrepreneurship and the role mature corporations can play. Finally, Wiebe Draijer, CEO of Dutch cooperative lender Rabobank Groep, spoke about being a multi-national while still ensuring local impact.
Frans Muller in a speech thanked Dick, reflecting on their strong cooperation in the past years. He also looked ahead, stressing the strength and opportunities for Ahold Delhaize and the brands and urged all stakeholders present to continue to engage with him and the company.
Dick in his closing words once more expressed his gratitude, and said he was deeply honored to receive the royal decoration which he said in fact was a recognition of the work from many associates and partners he had the opportunity to work with throughout his career.
