O
Message from our CEO
"We believe we are well
placed to respond to
the effects of recession
and rapid changes in
consumer behavior."
AHOLD ANNUAL REPORT 2008 I 4
Another major priority for management over the past year has been the
implementation of our corporate responsibility strategy. Each of our operating
companies worked hard to make a difference for customers, employees, and our
other stakeholders in our key focus areas of healthy living, sustainable trade,
climate action and community engagement. We have been particularly active in
supporting food banks in the United States that distribute food supplies to an
increasing number of people in need as a result of the current economic downturn.
You can read more about our activities and the hard work of our employees, in our
corporate responsibility report.
There were a number of key appointments and management changes made during
the year. Mark McGrath was appointed to our Supervisory Board and Lawrence
Benjamin, our Chief Operating Officer for Ahold USA, has been nominated to the
Corporate Executive Board for appointment at this year's Annual General Meeting
of Shareholders. In July, we appointed Carl Schlicker to be the new President and
CEO of Stop Shop/Giant-Landover and appointed Sander van der Laan from
Albert Heijn to succeed him as President and CEO of Giant-Carlisle.
As we look to 2009, the economic environment is dominating the headlines. We
believe we are well placed to respond to the effects of recession and rapid changes
in consumer behavior. We have a strong balance sheet and we have repositioned
our businesses over recent years to give better value to our customers.
Our results in 2008, and the continued progress we are making with our strategy,
are due to the hard work and dedication of all our employees, for which I and the
Board send our sincere thanks. I am proud of their achievements and confident
that with their continued support we will continue to deliver value for our customers
and shareholders in the year ahead.
On behalf of the Corporate Executive Board,
John Rishton
Chief Executive Officer
Amsterdam, the Netherlands, February 27, 2009
www.ahold.com/reports2008
