July 22, 2024 – Over the past few weeks Ahold Delhaize’s new Chief Sustainability Officer, Alex Holt, has been settling into her new role and life in the Netherlands. We had the opportunity to speak with Alex to learn about her first impressions of our company, leadership style, ambitions for Ahold Delhaize and learnings from her impressive career.
With over 20 years of food retail experience, Alex is a leader who is set on making things better, being a supportive colleague and driving our health and sustainability ambitions forward. On a more personal level, Alex grew up in London, spent the last 13 years living in Sydney Australia, and now lives in Amsterdam with her husband. When it comes to food, she has an undeniable love for anything Italian and her favorite grocery product is Perla Colombia coffee beans. And as a qualified ski instructor and keen traveler, Alex brings her curiosity and adventurous spirit into everything she does!
You have been with Ahold Delhaize for just over a month, can you share some first impressions and observations?
Ahold Delhaize is a great company and I’m very inspired by our new purpose and Growing Together strategy. Although I’m yet to visit all our fantastic brands, I have already met great people, and everyone has been incredibly welcoming. I’m very excited to be here!
You have been working in the food retail industry for over two decades, what do you like so much about this industry?
What I love about our industry is its strong focus on people. We have the opportunity and responsibility to serve associates, customers and diverse communities. Small changes can have a significant impact which makes things better for people, for the communities we serve and for our planet. For example, Albert Heijn’s fresh packets (“verspakketten”) is a meal solution that provides customers with great value, more time and reduces food waste. Our industry is also dynamic, innovative, collaborative, action-orientated and constantly evolving – offering a wide range of career options within it.
Why did you decide to make the switch to a sustainability role in 2016?
I wanted to have an impactful role with purpose. Businesses play a crucial role in transforming the food system for a healthier and better tomorrow. We all have a responsibility to ensure we leave our company, our planet, and our people with a better future for generations to come. By focusing on sustainability, I know we can create long-term value for shareholders and stakeholders.
What do you think are the biggest challenges and opportunities for Ahold Delhaize in achieving its ambitions related to health and sustainability?
I’m a glass half-full person, so I see opportunities. I believe in the power of people and the power of tech to find long-term solutions for the ‘wicked’ problems we face today. Our super-power is the amazing people we have at Ahold Delhaize and across our brands – it excites me what is possible as we work together to transform the food system for the future.
How would you describe the role of a CSO?
The role of a Chief Sustainability Officer is to define and drive the company’s sustainability priorities, to ensure a better tomorrow for people, the planet and the communities we serve, thereby creating long-term stakeholder value. This only occurs through deep collaboration across our business, with our supply partners and external stakeholders. An unwavering focus on progress, experimentation of new concepts and purposefully prioritizing near-term actions that move a transformational agenda forward. It's about working together to have a positive impact for future generations to come.
What advice would you have for people who have the ambition to work in the field of sustainability?
Every role has a part to play in delivering and supporting sustainability, so start by exploring how you can make tangible impact in your current position. If you want to move into a dedicated sustainability role, stay curious, research positions, understand the necessary skills, and see where your skills align. Then go for it!
