Post by Brittain Ladd

CLAIRE PETERS NAMED CEO OF AHOLD DELHAIZE USA I’m a fan of Claire Peters. She has graciously corresponded with me on multiple occasions to discuss topics related to the grocery industry, technology, and business. Congratulations 🎊🎈🍾🎉 Claire on being named CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA. Claire begins at ADUSA in September. Claire has a big job ahead of her. The challenge facing Ahold Delhaize USA (ADUSA) isn’t simply growing sales. The challenge is remaining relevant in an increasingly unforgiving competitive environment. Consider the competition: Walmart is the largest grocery retailer by sales in the USA with 22% market share. Amazon will likely partner with CloudKitchens to help accelerate 30-minute deliveries via Amazon Now. Groceries are strategic to Amazon. ALDI USA will soon operate 3,280 stores; more than Kroger, Albertsons or ADUSA. Costco Wholesale is taking market share from traditional grocers. Publix Super Markets is aggressively expanding to other states. Kroger CEO Greg Foran has aggressive plans for growth which includes acquisitions on the East Coast. There are many things that must be changed and improved at Ahold Delhaize USA, but I believe Claire should focus on the following six priorities: 1️⃣. Raise the bar on talent across the organization. Every executive in the company should be assessed. This is a must-have. 2️⃣. Review the five primary grocery brands within Ahold Delhaize USA. My advice is divest Stop & Shop. 3️⃣. Conduct an honest and independent audit of ADUSA’s supply chain and logistics. Contact Ganesh Ramakrishna of Lyric and Donald Hicks of Optilogic to assess the supply chain. ADUSA has a partnership with Nash. Claire should meet with Mahmoud Ghulman, CEO of Nash to discuss how to maximize the partnership. 4️⃣. ADUSA is far behind other grocery retailers in the use of automated micro-fulfillment. Claire should visit H-E-B to see how they leverage AutoStore™. A discussion with Blue Collar Robotics is warranted. 5️⃣. Assess a merger with Kroger to create one of the largest grocery ecosystems in North America, with enormous opportunities across procurement, private label, supply chain, data, technology, and digital commerce. A combined Kroger/Ahold Delhaize USA would operate nearly 5,000 stores and generate over $200B in revenue. 6️⃣. Assess a merger with Albertsons, led by Susan Morris. ADUSA and Albertsons were going to merge in 2022, but the merger was called off at the last minute. ❌❌ A combined ADUSA/Albertsons would operate 4,250 stores and generate $150B+ in revenue. I advise Albertsons to settle the lawsuit with Kroger; accept the original $600M breakup fee; drop the punitive damage claims; and use the $600M to fund the merger with ADUSA. Hiring Claire isn’t enough. Ahold Delhaize’s board must encourage Claire to think BIG, and support her ideas and strategy. Congratulations Claire. I sincerely wish you the best. #retail https://lnkd.in/g5pR9rV2