Ahold USA hires former H-E-B, Topco executive to head private-label development

CARLISLE, Pa. — Royal Ahold's U.S. division has appointed Juan De Paoli to head the division's brand management and private-label development, the company said.

Ahold USA announced that it had hired De Paoli as SVP brand management and own brands, effective Monday. Ahold USA runs the Stop & Shop, Giant Food of Landover, Md., and Giant Food Stores of Carlisle, Pa., chains, as well as the Peapod online grocery service.

"Juan is a proven leader in successful own-brand development and brand management and will help Ahold USA accelerate own-brand offerings in every aisle of the store," Ahold USA EVP marketing Erik Keptner said.

De Paoli has worked in retail and other industries for more than 22 years. Most recently, he worked as VP center store program management for Topco Associates. Before that, he spent 12 years working in various branding positions at H-E-B. He also worked for Consul-Med/Healthcare Consultants, Oscar Mayer and Procter & Gamble Latin America.