THE NETHERLANDS — James McCann, chief operating officer of Ahold USA and member of the management board of Ahold Delhaize, has resigned from the company effective immediately.

Ahold Delhaize, parent company of Food Lion, announced news of the resignation in a press release on Wednesday.

Kevin Holt, currently the CEO of Delhaize America and member of the management board of Ahold Delhaize, will take McCann’s place as chief operating officer at Ahold USA.

The press release said McCann resigned in order to “move out of full-time executive work and into a portfolio of non-executive and advisory roles.”

McCann will help with the transition through April 30, 2017.

McCann started as the chief operating officer at Ahold in 2011 and took over the job for Ahold USA in 2013.

He became a member of the management board when Ahold and Delhaize merged to form Ahold Delhaize in July.

“We thank James for his significant contributions both driving our e-commerce strategy whilst based in Europe and for the last three and a half years driving the transformation at Ahold USA, supporting the Stop & Shop New York, Stop & Shop New England, Giant Landover, Giant Carlisle, Martin’s and Peapod brands,” Dick Boer, CEO of Ahold Delhaize, said. “We wish James and his wife Tania all the best for the future.”

As Holt moves into his role at Ahold USA, Delhaize America will report to Frans Muller, deputy CEO of Ahold Delhaize, on a temporary basis.

“I am looking forward to getting to know Ahold USA and the great brands it is supporting,” Holt said in a press release. “I am leaving Delhaize America with pride for the transformations we have accomplished and with gratitude for the support and warmth I received from the many associates and customers.”

Muller and Holt will continue to report to Boer.

“As the new leader of Ahold USA, Kevin brings a wealth of U.S. retail experience and he is recognized for his leadership skills,” he said.