Lidl Belgium has announced that sales director Boudewijn van den Brand (pictured) is to become its new CEO.
In a statement released on Thursday, the company said that van den Brand will succeed Jesper Højer, who will move to Lidl's international board on 1 May.
Boudewijn studied business economics at the University of Utrecht and joined Lidl Netherlands in 2002, before progressing through the ranks as regional manager, distribution manager and regional director for the Netherlands. In 2011, he was handed the position of sales manager for Lidl Belgium.
"What Jesper Højer has achieved in the past three years in Belgium, is exquisite and I get the opportunity to continue that policy. Our customers will not see anything change as our 5,000 employees will keep convincing them daily to come back. Lidl has been synonymous with fresh, quality products at discount prices for the past three years now and we will not change that story", the new CEO stated.
Under Jesper Højer's stewardship, Lidl increased its market share in Belgium from 5.1% to 7.5%: a 50% increase in 3 years' time. It now also employs 5,300 people, which is also a 15% increase.
"I am overjoyed that I can leave Lidl Belgium like that," the departing CEO said.
© 2014 - European Supermarket Magazine by Enda Dowling
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