Belgian international food retailer the Delhaize Group announced early this morning that Dirk Van den Berghe has decided to resign from his position as CEO of the company's operations in Belgium and Luxembourg.
Frans Muller, Delhaize Group President and CEO, said, "I want to thank Dirk for his significant contributions to Delhaize Group and wish him well in his future endeavors. Our operations in Belgium and Luxembourg have a dedicated and capable management team that is well-equipped to address the challenges we face and to build on opportunities we have to improve our business."
Mr. Van den Berghe has reportedly accepted a new role outside of the company, and will officially leavem Delhaize on 31 July.
"It was a tough decision to leave but I feel this new opportunity is best for me and my family at this point in our lives," he said.
Van den Berghe joined the Delhaize Group in 1999 and was appointed CEO in September 2011.
He is the third top executive to resign from Delhaize since the arrival of Frans Muller as Group CEO in October 2013. Roland Smith (former CEO of Delhaize America) and Stefan Descheemaeker (ex-CEO Delhaize Europe) left their roles respectively.