Ahold Delhaize, the Netherlands, announced the creation of Ahold Delhaize USA, the parent company for all of Ahold Delhaize's U.S. companies, including its local brands, Stop & Shop, Food Lion, Giant, Hannaford, Giant/Martin’s and Peapod, as well as retail business services (RBS), a U.S. shared services company providing support to the brands, effective Jan. 1, 2018.

Ahold Delhaize USA will be led by Kevin Holt, chief executive officer Ahold Delhaize USA, effective January 1, 2018, and Frans Muller, deputy CEO Ahold Delhaize and chief integration officer, will serves as acting COO Delhaize America.

"Combining the parent companies of the U.S. brands and RBS is the natural next step in our brand-centric strategy in the U.S.,” says Dick Boer, chief executive officer of Ahold Delhaize.

"I'm excited that we are moving into this next phase where we can focus on further strengthening our brands and winning in our markets,” says Holt. “Ahold Delhaize USA and its U.S. brands are well positioned to continue to drive growth and innovation and meet the evolving needs of customers, both in stores and online."