Ahold Names Chief Human Resources Officer

Ahold has appointed Abbe Luersman its chief human resources officer, effective Nov. 1. Reporting to CEO Dick Boer, Luersman will become a member of the Amsterdam-based retail conglomerate’s newly created executive committee (ExCo).

Describing Luersman (left) as “an international, business-minded HR expert,” Boer noted, “We can only reshape retail if we have the right talent in our company to execute this great ambition. Abbe’s background in HR programs supporting business transformation in both the United States and Europe, is not only impressive, but also highly valuable for Ahold.”

A U.S. national, Luersman started her career at Whirpool Corp. in 1991. Following a successful 16-year stint, she joined Unilever in 2007. Luersman has held various HR leadership roles throughout her career, her most recent being responsible for human resources at Unilever Europe. Her global experience spans HR strategy and execution, talent management and development, and organizational transformation.

Additionally, Luersman’s appointment completes the new seven-member top leadership structure Ahold rolled out in June. Consisting of the company’s highest-level business and functional leaders, the ExCo aims to simplify the company’s governance structure and decision-making process to carry out its ambitious “Reshaping Retail” strategy, which involves acting on rapid changes in consumer behavior, shopper trends and the retail landscape.

As of Sept. 1, the committee will include the following members: Boer; CFO Jeff Carr; COO Ahold USA James McCann; COO Ahold Europe Sander van der Laan; chief corporate governance counsel Lodewijk Hijmans van den Bergh; chief commercial officer Hanneke Faber; and Luersman.
 

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