John Paul SCALLY

Bio

CEO of Lidl France Graduated in Industrial Engineering from the National University of Ireland (NUI Galway), John Paul Scally is an experienced retail executive who has built his entire career within the Lidl Group. For over twenty years, he has climbed the ranks through multiple strategic and operational roles, developing solid international expertise. Early Career: Focus on Field Operations and Logistics (2003 - 2008) His journey with the retailer began in September 2003 in Ireland, where he held the position of Construction and Procurement Manager (Droichead Nua). His engineering skills and organizational acumen allowed him to quickly move into logistics. Less than a year later, in July 2004, he was appointed Logistics Director for Lidl Northern Ireland in Belfast, before taking on the same role for Lidl Ireland (County Cork) from 2005 to 2008. Rise to Global Management (2008 - 2015) Leveraging his mastery of the supply chain, John Paul Scally expanded his scope in March 2008 to become Regional Director for Lidl Ireland. For nearly four years, he led development and commercial management from Mullingar. In February 2012, he added a new international dimension to his career by moving to France to take on the strategic role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Lidl France. Until July 2015, he played a key role in optimizing processes for a subsidiary in the midst of a major transformation. Nine Years at the Helm of Lidl Ireland and Return to France (2015 - Present) In August 2015, he returned to his homeland to become CEO of Lidl Ireland and Lidl Northern Ireland. Based in County Dublin, he successfully led both entities for nine years, consolidating the brand's position in these highly competitive markets. In August 2024, backed by his proven track record and perfect knowledge of the French market, he was appointed CEO of Lidl France. A Strong Commitment to CSR and Agroecological Transition Throughout his leadership tenure, John Paul Scally has made Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) a core strategic pillar. In Ireland, he notably championed the "A Better Tomorrow" sustainability program, driving pioneering initiatives such as the deposit-return scheme for plastic recycling and a drastic reduction in food waste. Today, at the head of Lidl France—with its 46,000 employees and over 1,600 stores—he embodies the "En route vers demain" (On the road to tomorrow) strategy, which sets ambitious goals for 2030. His vision centers on democratizing a healthy and sustainable product offering, decarbonizing the supply chain, and providing strong support to the French agricultural sector. For him, the role of a major retailer is to successfully balance affordable pricing for consumers with the necessary ecological and social transition.