Zeeman names Erik-Jan Mares as its new CEO

By

Shomara Roosblad

Published
Sep 6, 2017

Dutch textile giant Zeeman has named Erik-Jan Mares its new CEO. Mares will start a training program on 23 October, to be followed by his official start date on 1 January 2018.

Mares joins Zeeman from international food retailer Ahold Delhaize, where he led the merger between Ahold and Delhaize Group in 2016. At Ahold, Mares was a member of the board of supermarket chain, Albert Heijn. Before Ahold, Mares held positions at nutrition manufacturer Nutricia and supermarket chain, C1000.

“With the appointment of Erik-Jan Mares, we believe we have found someone who can fulfill Zeeman's ambitious strategy and take the next step in Zeeman's European growth,” said Jaap Lagerweij, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at the Zeeman Groep B.V.

Mares succeeds current CEO Bart Karis, who announced his departure in April.

Zeeman first opened in 1967 in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. The chain currently operates more than 1280 stores in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain and Austria.