Lidl GB chief executive Ronny Gottschlich resigns

Lidl’s UK chief executive Ronny Gottschlich stepped down on Friday, after steering the budget supermarket’s dramatic growth in the country.

Gottschlich 41, oversaw the German supermarket’s expansion in the UK to over 630 stores in six years.

He will be replaced by Christian Härtnagel, 34, who was previously director of sales and operations at the Austrian business.

The company said: "The business is extremely grateful for Ronny's contribution throughout his six years as Lidl GB CEO during which time he steered the business forward through a transformative period".

Lidl increased its foothold in the British grocery market with discounted goods and foods, taking market share from supermarket giants Tesco, Asda, Sainbury’s and Morrisons.

For the 2015 financial year Lidl GB had revenue of £4.7bn and Härtnagel will be charged with continuing with investment in the country and future store openings.