Delhaize makes Stefan Descheemaeker new CFO

BRUSSELS, Belgium Major food retailer Delhaize last week announced the hiring of Stefan Descheemaeker as its new CFO, effective Jan. 5.

Forty-eight-year-old Descheemaeker previously worked for Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewer, spending the past 12 years witnessing its growth. Initially known as Interbrew when Descheemaeker joined the company in 1996, the brewer has only recently become Anheuser-Busch Inbev. It merged with Brazil’s AmBev in 2004 and bought Anheuser-Busch this year.

Pierre-Olivier Beckers, Delhaize’s president and chief executive officer, expects Descheemaeker’s experience in Europe and North America to benefit the company. Descheemaeker will be replacing Craig Owens, who left Delhaize in September.

“Stefan’s leadership and drive are outstanding. He has large general management experience on both sides of the Atlantic and extensive financial know-how,” Beckers said.