Maura Abeln Smith to Leave Delhaize Group

Maura Abeln Smith, EVP, general counsel and general secretary for Brussels-based Delhaize Group, will leave the company effective Nov. 1.

Formerly EVP, government affairs, general counsel and secretary of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, Smith joined Delhaize in May 2013, succeeding Michael Waller, who retired from the company.

Smith "came to Delhaize Group at a time of transition in leadership," noted Frans Muller, the company's president and CEO. "She was committed, worked diligently and made significant contributions."

Her future plans are as yet undisclosed. Delhaize said that a successor would be named in the near future.

Present in seven countries on three continents, Delhaize Group has 3,377 stores.