Lidl has announced the resignation of chairman Karl-Heinz Holland citing “irreconcilable views”.

According to a report carried by French publication LSA, which quotes a statement issued by Lidl-owner Schwarz Group, the partnership was terminated due to “divergent” views on the supermarket’s future direction.

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Holland had been chief at the firm since 2008. He had been with Lidl for 23 years.

“Mr. Karl-Heinz Holland and Lidl have agreed to end their collaboration due to divergent and irreconcilable views on the future strategic direction of the business,” said the statement.

The group, however, thanked Heinz for his time with the supermarket. Schwarz said Holland had “contributed significantly” to the “transformation of Lidl”.

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