<p>Delhaize Group has appointed Frans Muller as Chief Executive Officer. Effective November 8, 2013. Mr. Muller will succeed Pierre-Olivier Beckers, who will remain available to advise the new CEO until year-end, according to a press release. Beckers will continue to serve on the Board of Directors in a non-executive capacity. Mr. Muller will join the company on October 14, 2013, prior to assuming the role of CEO to ensure a seamless transition.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Mats Jansson, Chairman of the Board of Directors, stated, “Frans has the right mix of experience and skills to lead our company into the future and we are pleased to welcome him to Delhaize Group. He brings a deep understanding of global food retailing and we are impressed by his international perspective, operational expertise, and proven ability to grow businesses.”</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Frans Muller brings over 15 years of senior leadership experience in retail to his new role as well as a strong track record of managing complex, global organizations. Most recently, Mr. Muller served as Member of the Management Board of Metro AG and CEO of Metro Cash & Carry. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Frans Muller, notes, “I am very enthusiastic to join Delhaize Group. The company is on track with its strategic priorities for the year and is focused on the areas that deliver the highest growth and returns. I am looking forward to leading the company, working with the Executive Committee and 160,000 Delhaize associates to build on the company’s current momentum.”</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Pierre-Olivier Beckers reflects that he is delighted to welcome Frans to the organization and is looking forward to working with him to ensure a smooth transition.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>The Group also announced that Roland Smith is resigning from his role as CEO of Delhaize America. He will be available as a senior advisor to the CEO until the end of the year. The company’s U.S. operations will report to the Delhaize Group CEO.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Mr. Beckers, adds, “Our U.S. business continues to deliver positive results and we have a solid foundation upon which to build. There is a strong leadership team in place and we look forward to further progress in the U.S. I want to thank Roland for his significant contributions to the success of Delhaize America, particularly the energy and focus he brought to the business. I am pleased that he will be available as a senior advisor to the CEO until the end of the year.” </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="http://www.delhaizegroup.com/en/InvestorCenter.aspx" target="_new">Delhaize Group</a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
