Ahold names head merchant

NEW YORK — Ahold USA has named Mark McGowan as EVP merchandising. He will lead a merchandising team that supports Ahold USA and its four divisions: Stop & Shop New England, Stop & Shop New York Metro, Giant Landover and Giant Carlisle.

McGowan had previously served as EVP supply chain for Ahold USA and previously led the Boston division of Stop & Shop.

McGowan's direct reports include Jeff Dichele, SVP non-perishables merchandising; John Ruane, interim senior vice president of fresh merchandising; Jodie Daubert, SVP sales development; Raymond McCall, SVP pharmacy & HBC merchandising; and Roger Wheeler, SVP Oracle Program Lead.

In other Ahold USA news, sales in U.S stores for the fourth quarter were up 4.3% from the same period last year. Ahold said the strong performance was partly driven by the exceptional efforts of staff teams during Hurricane Sandy, which enabled stores to remain open and to serve customers. Ahold said market share has gained in all USA divisions.