Albert Heijn CEO resigns after six years in charge; also quits Etos and Gall & Gall jobs

The CEO of Albert Heijn, Etos, and Gall & Gall, Marit van Egmond, will resign from her position at the end of April. Van Egmond became the supermarket group’s CEO in 2019 and was also appointed CEO of the drugstore chain Etos and liquor store chain Gall & Gall in 2021.

Van Egmond worked for the parent company, Ahold Delhaize, for a total of 28 years. The company is currently looking for a replacement. “After 28 years, I am saying farewell to this fantastic company. Now is the right time for me. Albert Heijn is ready for a new phase. And that would suit a new leader,” Van Egmond said.

Under her leadership, Albert Heijn was able to recapture a part of the market. According to the AD, Albert Heijn now has 37.7 percent of the market. They were in control of 34 percent when Van Egmond came into the CEO position.

Market percentages are the most important factors for supermarket chains. A percentage point gained or lost is considered a significant amount. A loss of a percentage point is equal to losing 500 million euros, according to the AD.

Ahold Delhaize CEO Frans Muller stated that Van Egmond made Albert Heijn stronger commercially and also more socially relevant. “With a strong focus on our customers, passion for our products, the quality and affordability and her deep lying interest in sustainability, health and innovation she navigated the company through a tricky time.”