Lidl CEO resigns

Jesper Højer, the CEO of German discount grocery chain Lidl, has unexpectedly resigned after two years in the role. The resignation takes effect immediately.

Ignazio Paterno, the deputy purchasing director, was named interim leader of the international grocer.

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.