Sponsored By

Lidl CEO Jesper Højer steps down

Ignazio Paterno named interim leader of German discount retailer

Michael Browne, Executive Editor

April 3, 2019

1 Min Read
Supermarket News logo in a gray background | Supermarket News

Jesper Højer.png logo in a gray background | Jesper Højer.pngJesper Højer (left), the chief executive officer of German hard discount grocery chain Lidl, has unexpectedly resigned after two years in the role. The resignation takes effect immediately.

Deputy purchasing director Ignazio Paternó has been named as interim leader until a full-time CEO is found.

In a statement, Højer said, ““I am proud to have worked for many years in various international positions for such a dynamic company as Lidl, and to have contributed to the success of the past few years.”

He added, “The decision to make my position available was not easy for me, but it's time to realign my family and professional future.”

Højer, who has been on Lidl’s board since 2015, took on the CEO role in early 2017, following the departure of Sven Seidel, who left the company after about three years at the top because of differing views on Lidl’s business direction.

Lidl operates approximately 10,500 stores in 29 countries. Its American division, Lidl US, which operates about 80 stores (counting its November acquisition of Long Island’s Best Markets), named its own new chairman in February, with the appointment of Roman Heini.

About the Author

Michael Browne

Executive Editor, Supermarket News

Michael Browne joined Supermarket News in 2018 after serving in managing and executive editor capacities at leading B2B media brands including Convenience Store NewsLicense Global and Travel Agent. He also previously served as content production manager for print and digital in the Business Intelligence division of Informa, parent company of Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News.

As executive editor, Mike oversees the editorial content of supermarketnews.com as well as the monthly print publication. He also directs all content-based brand-related projects including the annual Top 75 Retailers report, Category Guide, Retailer of the Year, research surveys and special reports, as well as podcast and webinar content. Mike has also presented and moderated at industry events.

In addition to the positions mentioned above, Mike has also worked as a writer and/or editor for special projects at American Legal Media (ALM), managing editor for Tobacco International, special projects editor at American Banker • Bond Buyer, and as production editor for Bank Technology News and other related financial magazines and journals published by Faulkner & Gray.

A graduate of Fordham University, Mike is based in New York City, where he was born and raised.

Contact Mike at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

Stay up-to-date on the latest food retail news and trends
Subscribe to free eNewsletters from Supermarket News

You May Also Like