Chief finance boss to deputise until successor found
Dutch grocery giant Ahold's president and chief executive Anders Moberg (pictured) is quitting the company early, with effect from July 1, to pursue other career interests.

Moberg, who joined the retailer in 2003, was contracted to leave in May next year. However, the company said: 'Moberg's decision to leave the company was taken in consultation with the board, who agreed that now is the right time for a change of leadership as the company moves into the next phase of its development.'

Ahold chief finance officer John Rishton has been appointed acting president and chief executive. He will take up his new responsibilities in early July, but will also continue as chief finance officer. A final decision on Moberg's successor is expected to be announced later this year.

Ahold supervisory board chairman René Dahan said: 'Moberg has made a great contribution to restoring the health of Ahold. With this achieved and the strategy for Ahold's future profitable growth in place, now is a good time for new leadership to be appointed to take the company through its next set of challenges and opportunities.'

Bernstein analyst Christopher Hogbin said: 'The early departure of Ahold's chief executive, in our view, should have limited impact on the restructuring being executed at Ahold as the two key elements of the restructuring were not being led by Moberg.'

In March, the retail giant reported a 3 per cent dip in group sales to Eu10.4 billion (£7.05 billion) for the fourth quarter of last year, driven largely by a weak performance from its US business.

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