Ahold USA Appoints EVP, Marketing

Ahold USA has divided the former EVP of marketing and merchandising role into two separate positions to better support its growth strategy. In accordance with this new structure, the Carlisle, Pa.-based company has promoted Erik Keptner to the newly created position of EVP of marketing, effective immediately.

Reporting to Ahold USA COO Carl Schlicker, Keptner will be responsible for creating, developing, and implementing long-term marketing strategies in a manner that advances the company’s growth ambitions and sales targets. He and his team will aid the company’s division teams in delivering a compelling brand and customer offer that boosts sales and meets customers’ needs.

Keptner began his career at Ahold companies in 1998 as a consumer research analyst at Giant/Martin’s. Since that time, he has taken on various roles of increasing responsibility, among them director of consumer insight data and SVP advertising and marketing at Giant/Martin’s. Since 2010, Keptner has been SVP, marketing and consumer insights for Ahold USA

“With more than 15 years of experience, Erik will be able to lead our teams as we focus on increasing customer loyalty,” noted Schlicker. “He is passionate about the business and delivering to our customers in a way that will drive sales and respond to their needs.”

The company is still searching for an EVP of merchandising.

Jeff Martin, the last person to hold the combined marketing/merchandising EVP role, left the company last month for what Ahold USA described as "personal reasons." 

The four local retail divisions of Ahold USA, a company of Amsterdam-based retail conglomerate Ahold, are Stop & Shop New England, Stop & Shop New York Metro, Giant-Landover and Giant-Carlisle.