Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

05/05/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/05/2021 13:02

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-May5, 2021- Ahold Delhaize today announces that David McInerney, co-founderand Chief Executive Officer of FreshDirect, the Northeast's leading pure-play online fresh food grocer, will stepdowneffective today. He will continue in an advisory role through the end of October2021. Farhan Siddiqi, Chief Digital Officer of Ahold Delhaize, will serve as interim CEO and assume overall leadership responsibility onMay 5, 2021.

'FreshDirecthas 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, FreshDirectis 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 leadershipover the past two decades. As co-founder, David has been instrumental in establishing FreshDirect'sphilosophy in bringingthe best fresh and high-quality products to people's doorsteps in the Tri-state area. We will ensure a smooth transition and honor FreshDirect'sunique customer-focused and food-centric culture and deep connection with its suppliers. FreshDirect'scustomers will continue to enjoythe high-quality fresh food, great tastingproducts and stellar service for which FreshDirectis known.'

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

Ahold Delhaize and CenterbridgePartners 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.