Aldi Ireland appoints Niall O’Connor as group managing director

Aldi Ireland has announced the appointment of Niall O’Connor as its new group managing director (GMD).

O’Connor will be responsible for all of Aldi’s activities in Ireland, including its multi-million-euro store-opening programme and Irish buying office.

He has been a senior executive with Aldi in Ireland for almost 20 years and has held several roles across the business, which includes group buying director and most recently managing director of the Mitchelstown region.

Giles Hurley, CEO Aldi UK and Ireland said: “Niall has made a huge contribution during his tenure at Aldi, developing our Irish buying team and leading our Mitchelstown Region store teams through dynamic growth. His appointment as group managing director Ireland is a major step forward in positioning Aldi Ireland for further success in the years ahead.” 

Among his first responsibilities O’Connor will lead a growing team of 4,000 staff through Aldi’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Aldi recently unveiled a 10% bonus payment for staff, shortened payment terms for suppliers, launched a recruitment drive for additional staff and introduced a series of social distancing measures to its stores in its ongoing response to Covid-19.

O’Connor added: “I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead the Aldi Ireland team and to contribute to our efforts nationwide, particularly as our teams work to help feed the nation.”

“Having worked for Aldi for the last 20 years, I know first-hand the dedication of our staff and suppliers across the country, but never more so than now have their efforts to continue to deliver outstanding quality food been in such focus. I look forward to working closely with Giles Hurley in supporting and leading the Aldi Ireland team as we continue to serve communities both now and into the future.”

Aldi now operates 142 stores in Ireland with plans to open seven more this year.