Architects of Aldi's UK success are separated as German grocer gets British-based chief executive

By Daily Mail Reporter

Published: 17:15 EST, 21 November 2014 | Updated: 04:22 EST, 22 November 2014

Aldi pals:Roman Heini, left, and Matthew Barnes

The architects of Aldis success in the UK are being separated.

Joint managing directors Roman Heini and Matthew Barnes have worked hand in glove since 2010 to grow the German discounter into a significant threat to the established grocers.

But in a surprise move Aldi said German born Heini will return to his homeland to become chairman of the advisory board for the entire group.

Barnes will become chief executive of Aldi UK and Ireland a new post and the firm will hire two joint UK managing directors.

The changes will take place in March next year and come just after Heini borrowed 1.9million interest-free from his employer in 2012 to buy himself a mansion in the Warwickshire countryside.

The pair send their children to the same schools, their wives socialise together, and the families hang out at weekends.

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Architects of Aldi's UK success are separated as German grocer gets British-based chief executive