Lidl has handed Martin Bailie the role of joint chief operations officer of its UK business amid a clutch of senior management changes.

Bailie joins the discounter’s UK business following three years as chief operating officer of Lidl Ireland. He has worked at Lidl for almost 14 years, having started his career with the grocer as an area manager in January 2002.

The joint role, alongside existing joint chief operations officer Chris Walker, will see them have different regional responsibilities for the discounter’s UK business.

Matthew Heslop, who served as joint chief operating officer for Lidl UK for 18 months, has replaced Bailie at Lidl’s Irish arm.

Ryan McDonnell joins Bailie in making the move from the discounter’s Irish operations to its UK business. He has taken on the role of board director, purchasing.

McDonnell formerly served as commercial director for Lidl Ireland.

Another Lidl UK director, Martin Kottbauer, has jetted to the grocer’s headquarters in Germany after being handed the role of international purchasing director.

Lidl declined to comment on the four directorate changes.