LIDL CEO Jesper Højer has resigned after two years leading the German discount retailer. His departure was confirmed in a statement from Lidl, which has opened more than 60 locations in the U.S. since 2017.

"I am proud to have worked for many years in various international positions for such a dynamic company as Lidl and to have contributed to the success of the past few years, and the decision to make my position available was not easy for me, but for me it's time to realign my family and professional future," Højer said in a release.

Højer had served on the board of Lidl since 2015 and took over as chairman in 2017. Ignazio Paterno will take over immediately.