Anders Moberg, chief executive of Ahold, is no stranger to controversy at the Dutch retailer that he joined just over three years ago. After being tempted to sign up at the virtually bust retailer by a €10 million remuneration package, Mr Moberg was forced to give up some of those goodies after a customer boycott of Ahold stores.
Mr Moberg was born in Ikea’s home town and started his retail career at the Swedish furniture retailer, aged 20. He rose to be chief executive at just 36, having taken part in the international expansion of the retailer, working in Germany, France and Switzerland. He was known for his open management style and he got to know the business by working stints in shops and warehouses.
In 1999 he left to join Home Depot, the giant American DIY retailer, which had ambitions for international expansion. In less than two years he had quit, saying that he wanted to improve his golf handicap. He is unlikely to have had much time for golf since May 2003, when he joined Ahold. His recovery plan has involved selling more than €3 billion of assets, raising new funds to pay down debts and improve the core business.