Ahold gears up for M&A with management rejig

* Heads of US, Europe units take more strategic roles

* Shares up 5.9 pct, helped by strong Delhaize results.

LONDON, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Dutch grocer Ahold (AHLN.AS) is freeing up two of its most senior executives from day-to-day management operations, fuelling speculation it is stepping up the search for acquisitions.

Ahold, which makes over half of its revenues in the United States, said on Thursday it was appointing Sander van der Laan, a senior manager in one of its U.S. businesses, to head its Dutch market leader Albert Heijn.

This will give more time for Dick Boer, the head of its European business, to focus on strategic initiatives.

Similarly, Carl Schlicker will become chief executive of Ahold's U.S. divisions, freeing-up time for the overall head of its U.S. business, Lawrence Benjamin.

"The changes will ... allow Dick Boer and Larry Benjamin to devote more time to growth opportunities in existing and new markets," Ahold said in a statement.

Credit Suisse analysts said the moves were "the clearest sign yet from the company that it is considering acquisitions and is seeking to expand the group."