Lidl almost always looks to promote from within, invariably handing top jobs to high-flyers who have been with the business for much if not all of their careers, and have gained experience across a range of functions and international markets.

McDonnell’s predecessor Härtnagel, who is leaving to run the discounter’s German business, joined Lidl at the age of 21 before being named UK boss at 34. Prior to Härtnagel, Ronny Gottschlich had spent his entire career at Lidl before becoming UK boss in 2010.