Unilever executive named as Ahold HR chief

ZAANDAM, Netherlands — Dutch supermarket-operating company Ahold has appointed Abbe Luersman as the company’s chief human resources officer.

Ahold said that Luersman, who will report to CEO Dick Boer, will assume the new position on Nov. 1. Ahold's U.S. division operates the Stop & Shop, Giant Food Stores of Carlisle, Pa., and Giant Food of Landover, Md., supermarket banners, as well as the Peapod online grocery service.

"We are delighted to have such an international, business-minded HR expert joining our company," Boer said. "We can only reshape retail if we have the right talent in our company to execute this great ambition. Abbe's background in HR programs supporting business transformation in both the United States and Europe is not only impressive, but also highly valuable for Ahold."

A U.S. national, Luersman started her career at Whirlpool Corp. in 1991 and, 16 years later, began working for Unilever, most recently as SVP human resources for the company's Europe division.