Ahold Delhaize USA's service company introduces DE&I council
Retail Business Services, the services company of grocery parent company Ahold Delhaize USA, has announced the creation of its new diversity, equity & including (DE&I) council.
First covered by Store Brands’ sister publication Progressive Grocer, the group will work to drive awareness, adoption and acceleration of the company’s DE&I strategy, as well as a commitment to creating a welcoming workplace.
Ahold Delhaize USA operates over 2,000 stores across 23 states under banners including Giant Co., Food Lion, Giant food, Hannaford and Stop & Shop.
Retail Business Services president Roger Wheeler will chair the council, with DE&I Manager Valencia Seals serving as vice chair. Each of the company’s resource groups will have representation, along with each member of the leadership team, five at-large members and a council coordinator. The new council will meet over the course of two years to help the company foster a culture of belonging while also creating action plans to overcome barriers.
“At Retail Business Services, we hold ourselves accountable for fostering an environment where all associates feel welcome and know they work for a company where they belong,” said Wheeler. “In standing up the council, we are able to further our journey and accelerate action.”
Retail Business Services is set to release its second annual DE&I Progress Report this spring, which will help give employees an idea of how the company is progressing on its journey toward equity.
The organization has been busy this year with the introduction of its Accelerator Sign-On Incentive Program, which offers a sign-on bonus of $20,000 to newly hired tech associates who apply for IT architect positions within the company. Those employees will help the company deliver technology services, systems and capabilities to support Ahold Delhaize’s omnichannel growth plans.
Retail Business Services also recently launched its fourth annual SEED immersion program, aiming to help entrepreneurs and startups in supply chain, grocery retail, logistics, warehouse management, supply chain analytics and forecasting accelerate their path to market.