Gerd Chrzanowski

Gerd Chrzanowski is a passionate entrepreneur for whom economic responsibility and value-oriented action are particularly important. In his role as a complementary partner of the Schwarz Group, he is resolutely committed to the megatrends of digitalization, sustainability and healthy nutrition - acting as a pioneer and driving force for the economy in Germany and Europe.

After almost 25 years in the Schwarz Group companies, Chrzanowski knows the retail industry like no other. In December 2021, he took on the role of general partner of the Schwarz Group, which includes Lidl, Kaufland, Schwarz Produktion, PreZero, Schwarz Digits and Schwarz Corporate Solutions. With around 575,000 employees in 32 countries, the companies of the Schwarz Group are one of the leading retail groups in the world - and that requires responsible corporate management with vision.

Chrzanowski's innovative strength is reflected in his involvement with modern technologies and future-oriented concepts. For example, he focused on the importance of the circular economy at an early stage and supported the founding of the environmental services provider PreZero. His commitment to the cloud and cybersecurity also formed the basis for the strategic expansion of the Schwarz Group in the direction of digitalization.

Before taking on his current role, Chrzanowski was Chairman of the Management Board of Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG, Chairman of the Management Board of SB Dienstleistung KG and Deputy General Partner as well as a member of the Management Board of Schwarz Dienstleistung KG. Even during this time, he set trendsetting accents in the areas of IT, mobility and digitalization, which had a lasting impact on the strategic direction of the Schwarz Group. From 2008 to 2014, he took over the Management Board of Central Services at Lidl in Germany after helping to rebuild the sales department there. Chrzanowski began his career with the Schwarz Group companies in 2000 as an in-house consultant at Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG, where he promoted innovative solutions at an early stage.

Born in Offenburg, he holds a degree in business administration from Bochum University of Applied Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Manchester Metropolitan University. Prior to his studies, he completed an apprenticeship as an automotive salesman.