Lidl chief operating officer Martin Bailie is leaving the business after having been offered a job opportunity outside of the business.
Tim Ulbrich and Robert Ryan will continue in their roles as co-chief operating officers, with the handover of responsibilities taking place over the coming two months. The duo will jointly lead Lidl’s planned expansion of its logistic and store networks, as the business said it continues to experience accelerated growth. Bailie will leave the business on 30 November.
Lidl UK CEO Christian Härtnagel said: “Martin has played an integral role at Lidl for the last 14 years, providing the business with invaluable leadership. While it is with great sadness that we announce he is leaving us, we fully support him in his decision and we wish him the very best success in his future personal and professional life.”
Bailie said: “I’ve enormously enjoyed my time with Lidl since joining as a graduate many years ago. I’m very grateful for the challenge and responsibilities that have been offered to me during my time here as well as the fantastic opportunities to develop and progress.
“It’s an exciting time for Lidl UK as it continues to grow and outperform the market. I will still be keenly following its progress, I wish team Lidl every success.'
Lidl UK currently has 640 stores in England, Scotland and Wales and last year announced a £1.5 billion expansion programme over the next three years. It recently reported a record-high turnover of £4.7bn for the 2015 financial year, and has a 4.6 per cent of the market.
