Dick was the CEO of Ahold (2011-2016), and following its merger with Delhaize, served as President and CEO of Ahold Delhaize (2016-2018). He led the integration of two major grocery chains and expanded their omnichannel presence. Earlier in his career, he became CEO of Albert Heijn in 2000 and guided Ahold’s European operations as COO before his executive succession.

He began his career at SHV Holdings and Unigro, rising through international roles in retail. Known for transforming Ahold into a digitally enabled retailer and completing the €9.3 billion merger that created Ahold Delhaize, Dick was praised for balancing growth, efficiency, and sustainability in a competitive global market.

He brings deep cross-sector expertise in:

• Retail & grocery omnichannel strategy – pioneering digital transformation, mergers and brand integration at scale

• Corporate governance & board leadership – leading supervisory boards in energy, retail, consumer goods, and culture

• Sustainability in consumer corporates – embedding purpose-driven growth and ESG frameworks in global consumer chains

• Capital-intensive and public institutions – overseeing governance in national cultural and heritage bodies

Educated at HEAO Breda, Dick is celebrated for his strategic clarity, cultural fluency, and ability to navigate complex leadership transitions. His ongoing board roles reflect a commitment to innovation, institutional integrity, and the public good—qualities that make him a powerful mentor for leaders in retail, energy, culture, and governance.