On 1 October 2026, Matúš Gála took over as the new chief executive of Lidl Česká republika. He succeeded Tomasz Kuźma, who had led the company since November 2024 and retired after ending his time at the firm [1][2]. Lidl has been present on the Czech market for 23 years, since June 2003, operates 326 stores and five logistics centres here, and employs more than 14,000 people. The company belongs to the German Schwarz Gruppe, which also includes the Kaufland chain [2].*
Matúš Gála's arrival
Matúš Gála has worked in the Lidl group since 2008, when he joined as a regional manager. He gained experience in Slovakia, Czechia and Lithuania, where Lidl was entering a new market [1][2]. In 2016, he took over the leadership of Lidl's Slovak branch, which he managed for almost six years [1]. In 2022, he moved to Belgium, where he became chief executive of Lidl for Belgium and Luxembourg, and subsequently worked in the international leadership of Lidl International as a member of the innermost management responsible for individual countries [2].
After taking over at the head of Czech Lidl, Gála said that he wants to build on the company's existing strategy, which is based on offering quality products at low prices and on a simple shopping concept. According to him, Czech Lidl is number one on the domestic market, and its success is down to the work of fourteen thousand employees across the whole company [1].
Departure of Tomasz Kuźma
Tomasz Kuźma led Lidl Česká republika from November 2024. After approximately two years as chief executive, he left the firm and retired [1][2].
Lidl in Czechia
Lidl operates 326 stores and five logistics centres in Czechia and employs more than 14,000 people [2]. Almost three quarters of its range consists of private labels, for example Pilos, Cien, Lupilu, Parkside or Crivit. It also offers non-food products through its e-shop [2]. The company, like Kaufland, belongs to the German Schwarz Gruppe [2].
Chronology
- — Matúš Gála has taken over as head of Lidl Czech Republic, replacing Tomasz Kuźma after two years. MediaGuru Médiář