Jumbo Supermarkten CEO Ton van Veen Steps Down After Transformative Leadership
Wednesday, January 29, 2025, marked a critically important moment for Jumbo Supermarkten as Ton van Veen, the CEO who steered the company through turbulent times, announced his decision to step down. Van Veen, who took over the role in September 2022 following the arrest of his predecessor Frits van Eerd on suspicion of money laundering and fraud, leaves behind a legacy of resilience and strategic transformation.
“Leaving Jumbo was absolutely not an easy decision for me to make, because after being intensively connected to Jumbo for more than twenty years, I have a big ‘yellow heart’,” Van veen shared in a press release. He emphasized that the decision was made after extensive discussions with the Supervisory Board (RVC) and the Van Eerd family, the owners of the supermarket chain.
Van Veen’s tenure began amidst chaos. “The unexpected events, shortly after I took a seat in the Supervisory Board, led to the question of the Van Eerd family and the Supervisory Board to return to the day-to-day management and to take on the role of CEO.With the aim of guiding the company through a very challenging time,” he explained. Under his leadership, Jumbo worked tirelessly to restore trust and strengthen its foundation.
A New Phase for Jumbo
Van Veen described his departure as a “logical moment to transfer the baton,” expressing pride in the progress made and confidence in the company’s future. “I am very grateful to the Van Eerd family that I was allowed to take on the adventure with them in 2004. The upcoming period I will stay on to ensure a good transfer,” he added.
The company acknowledged Van Veen’s contributions, stating, “Together with our thousands of colleagues and entrepreneurs, we are ready for a period of sustainable growth and a popular and financially healthy Jumbo, where we continue to make fans of customers.” Conversations for a new CEO are already underway, signaling a fresh chapter for the supermarket giant.
Key Decisions Under Van Veen’s Leadership
Van Veen’s leadership was marked by bold decisions aimed at revitalizing jumbo. The company, which had been losing market share, underwent significant restructuring, including the elimination of 350 jobs at the head office. Efforts were also made to lower prices and invest in sustainability and health, aligning with evolving consumer demands.
One of the most notable decisions was the end of Jumbo’s sports sponsorship, including its long-standing support of the Jumbo-Visma cycling team. “We started to do a number of activities that have not necessarily strengthened the formula,” Van Veen explained in early 2024. “We stepped in the flash delivery with Gorillas and we have become very active in the sports sponsorship.But if you look at the successes of the athletes and plowing, you have to wonder if that suits us.”
Van Veen emphasized the need to focus on Jumbo’s core mission. “We don’t have much to look for on the world stage. We want the very best range and the best service at the lowest price. Combining those extremes is only possible if the company is in perfect shape. that means that we no longer put tens of millions in sports sponsorship, but use them to lower prices. That is the essence of Jumbo as it was intended.”
Summary of Key Developments Under Ton van Veen’s Leadership
| Key Area | Actions Taken |
|—————————-|———————————————————————————–|
| Leadership Transition | Took over as CEO in September 2022 after Frits van Eerd’s arrest. |
| Cost-Cutting Measures | Eliminated 350 jobs at the head office. |
| Pricing Strategy | Focused on lowering prices to attract customers. |
| Sustainability | Increased investments in sustainability and health initiatives. |
| Sponsorship | Ended sports sponsorship, including the Jumbo-Visma cycling team. |
as Jumbo Supermarkten prepares for its next chapter, the company remains committed to its strategic course, ensuring it continues to thrive in a competitive market. Van Veen’s departure marks the end of an era but also the beginning of a promising future for this beloved Dutch supermarket chain.
