Metro flags

Dr Jürgen Kluge, chairman of German retailer Metro AG's supervisory board, has announced that he has handed in his resignation and will leave the group next month after serving his notice.

In a statement, Metro's management board said that it had the 'highest respect and appreciation' for the decision, and thanked him for his support in repositioning the group.

'Mr Kluge supported Metro AG in challenging times and assisted important strategic decisions,' the group noted. 'Furthermore, in intensive dialogue, he engaged with the management board in a constructive and trustful manner.'

The Haniel family has put forward Franz Markus Haniel as Kluge's successor as a member of the supervisory board.

News of Kluge's departure follows the recent revelation that CEO Eckhard Cordes is to leave his position when his contract expires next year.