Dutch food giant Ahold has promoted John Rishton, who has been acting chief executive since July, to president and chief executive with immediate effect.

Ahold has also promoted deputy chief financial officer Kimberly Ross to chief financial officer. Ross has also been appointed to the executive board, with immediate effect.

In addition, Ahold executive vice-president and chief corporate governance counsel Peter Wakkie has accepted another term as a member of the executive board.

Ahold supervisory board chairman René Dahan said: “After careful consideration, the supervisory board unanimously reached the conclusion that John is the right individual to lead Ahold into the future. John has the skills, capabilities and knowledge of Ahold necessary to drive Ahold’s strategy for sustainable profitable growth.”