Joel Rampoldt steps down as Lidl CEO

ARLINGTON, VA. — Joel Rampoldt is no longer chief executive officer of Lidl US, the discount grocery chain confirmed Wednesday.

Rampoldt, who has served as CEO since 2023, is transitioning into an advisory role with the German-owned grocer, according to a statement emailed by a company spokesperson. Marco Giudici, Lidl US’s chief customer officer and former CEO of Lidl Romania, has been appointed interim CEO, effective immediately.

The leadership change comes as Lidl continues to struggle to find a steady footing in the highly competitive U.S. grocery market, nearly 10 years after opening its first stores in the country. Despite aggressive pricing, a strong focus on private label, and a streamlined store format, the retailer has struggled to scale profitably against well-established competitors and rapidly expanding value brands.

Rampoldt joined Lidl US in 2023 with a reputation for leading large-scale retail turnarounds. Before taking on this role, he was a partner and managing director at AlixPartners, where he advised major retailers on boosting sales and profitability through pricing strategies, promotional optimization, and operational efficiency.

Lidl’s parent company operates over 12,000 stores in 31 countries and employs about 350,000 people worldwide. The retailer is part of the Schwarz Group, which also owns Kaufland, another discount chain. Globally, Lidl is known for its private-label focus, curated product selections, and value-oriented shopping experience.

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Arlington, Va., Lidl US operates over 190 stores along the East Coast. About 80% of its inventory consists of private-label products, many of which have earned industry recognition for quality and value.