Marit van Egmond, the seasoned CEO of Albert Heijn, Etos, and Gall & Gall, has announced her decision to step down after a remarkable 28-year career with Ahold Delhaize. With her last day slated for April 30, 2025, van Egmond leaves behind a legacy of innovation and a strong leadership foundation for the supermarkets.
Taking her first steps in the company as a management trainee in 1997, van Egmond quickly rose through the ranks, experiencing various commercial, operational, and leadership roles. In 2014, she joined the management team as executive vice-president for commerce. By 2019, she was appointed CEO of Albert Heijn and took charge of Etos and Gall & Gall in 2021, marking her as a pivotal figure in the strategic direction of these leading brands.
Reflecting on her journey, van Egmond expressed a sense of fulfillment and readiness for this transition, stating, "Na 28 jaar neem ik afscheid van een geweldig bedrijf. Het is voor mij nu het juiste moment. Het gaat goed met Albert Heijn, Etos en Gall & Gall en er staat een sterk team klaar om door te gaan op de weg die we met elkaar zijn ingeslagen," which translates to, "After 28 years, I am saying goodbye to a wonderful company. It is now the right time for me. Things are going well with Albert Heijn, Etos, and Gall & Gall, and a strong team is ready to continue on the path we have set together."
Under van Egmond's stewardship, Albert Heijn has evolved into a trailblazing omnichannel retailer, not only enhancing its commercial strengths but also becoming socially more relevant. Frans Muller, CEO of Ahold Delhaize, praised her, stating, "Marit heeft Albert Heijn niet alleen commercieel versterkt, maar ook maatschappelijk relevanter gemaakt," or "Marit has not only strengthened Albert Heijn commercially but also made it more socially relevant." Her commitment to sustainability and health positioned the company to achieve a B Corp certification just four months ago, highlighting its dedication to positive societal impact.
The succession process for van Egmond’s role has already commenced, with a focus on ensuring the continued success and leadership of Albert Heijn, Etos, and Gall & Gall. In light of her departure, the company is in an excellent phase for transition. Van Egmond has built a robust leadership team that will carry on her vision and the company’s strategic objectives.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, van Egmond’s insights and leadership were crucial during turbulent times, steering the company through challenges while enhancing its competitive positioning. Her departure signifies not just a personal career move but also a critical juncture for the supermarkets she has led to prominence.
Looking ahead, the future of Albert Heijn, Etos, and Gall & Gall appears bright, backed by a solid foundation established by van Egmond and her team's innovations. With technology and digital advancements under her guidance, the trio of brands is poised for continued growth and relevance in a changing consumer environment.
As customers and employees prepare to bid farewell to a renowned leader, the expectations for her successor will undoubtedly be high. Van Egmond leaves with best wishes for the next chapter of her career and with confidence that the brands will thrive. Her leadership journey at Ahold has been marked by strategic foresight, the kind that will inspire her successor to follow in her footsteps.
