The chief executive of Dutch retailer Ahold is to quit the business to lead engineering giant Rolls-Royce.

Ahold announced today (30 September) that John Rishton, who had been in the post for two years, would leave the business in March to become Rolls-Royce CEO.

Dick Boer, chief operating officer for Ahold’s European business, has been lined up to replace Rishton.

Sander van der Laan, general manager of Ahold’s flagship chain Albert Heijn, will replace Boer as COO of Ahold Europe.