Former Lidl CEO Karl-Heinz Holland has been appointed chairman, while former Co-op food boss Joe Whitfield will be CEO
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iscountfashion retailer Matalan has turned to the supermarket sector to fill its top two positions, with former Lidl CEO Karl-Heinz Holland as its new chairman and Joe Whitfield, previously in charge of Co-op Food, as CEO. Appointed in
Hollande was Lidl’s CEO from 2008 to 2014, leaving due to “inevitable” differences with the board when it came to future strategy. From 2021, he is president of Takko Fashion, the European discount fashion business, and will continue in that role alongside his duties at Matalan.
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Whitfield oversaw a business that brought £10.8 billion in revenue to the Co-op in 2021, and was also Matalon’s head of finance from 2002 to 2008. She will replace Nigel Oddie, who was interim CEO on 31 March.
Holland said he felt the Mateln business had a large amount of unrealized potential.
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“I have been a longtime fan of Matalan and believe this is a business full of potential,” he said. “I very much look forward to working with the new owners, Joe and its dedicated staff, to help it achieve its potential.”
Meanwhile, Whitfield focused on the modernization process through which she hoped to guide the retailer.
“I am delighted to join and lead the business through its next exciting phase of growth and modernisation,” he added. “Matalan is a much-loved brand for its 11 million loyal customers and together with partners, we will work to strengthen our proposition and ensure we deliver great products and value to them and their families.
“Exciting times are ahead for all of us who work in the business as we change the tide for the future.”
