Lidl solves a problem in Germany - and creates one for itself in France
The article by Henryk Hielscher was published in WirtschaftsWoche on September 20, 2023.
Christian Härtnagel, former head of Lidl Germany, is surprisingly giving up his post and will take care of the international expansion of Lidl's online business in the future. This change comes after a relatively short term of office and for personal reasons. Härtnagel, who began his career at the cash desk of a Lidl branch and has had an impressive career behind him, is being replaced by Friedrich Fuchs, who previously managed the French business. The changes in management, which also took place at the Schwarz Group, Lidl's parent company, raise questions that go beyond the official reasons. In France in particular, Lidl's interest in taking over casino markets could be influenced by the new interim solution. Nevertheless, Haertnagel's new focus on online business is regarded as an important strategic step for the Schwarz Group, as its international experience and credibility are expected to drive the company's digital transformation.
Michael Lichtinger comments on the staff change in the article.
“The interim solution and Lidl's current takeover plans in France suggest that Lidl itself was also surprised by the situation,”
says Michael Lichtinger, expert on consumer and commercial goods. In addition, the change was “by no means seen as a career break,” but shows that the Schwarz Group places a particular focus on technological developments and that Haertnagel has the necessary expertise to “initiate innovations in online business and its integration with stationary retail.”
The full WirtschaftsWoche article can be found under the following link (paywall).