JP joined Lidl as a graduate in 2003, initially in the construction area of the business, having qualified with an engineering degree from the NUI Galway. J.P. subsequently held a number of roles with Lidl in logistics and sales operations from 2004 until 2012. He developed an understanding of the international retail landscape while sitting on the Board of Lidl France from 2012 to 2015. J.P. has been CEO of Lidl Ireland and Lidl Northern Ireland since his return from France in 2015 and oversees the 218 stores across the island with over 2 million weekly customers.