Dieter Schwarz Timeline
Dieter Schwarz opened the first Lidl store in 1973, took over in 1977 and stepped back as CEO in 2004 24.
Full nameDieter Schwarz
NationalityGermany
Known forOwner of the Schwarz Group (Lidl and Kaufland)
1939: born in Heilbronn
- 1939 · BORNBorn in Heilbronn, Germany
- 1963 · MILESTONEMarries Franziska Weipert
- 1973 · FOUNDEDOpens the first Lidl discount store in Ludwigshafen
- 1977 · ROLETakes over the family business after his father Josef dies
- 2004 · ROLEKlaus Gehrig succeeds him as chairman and CEO of Lidl and Kaufland
- 2026 · MILESTONERanked 32nd with $59.31 billion
1963: marriage
He marries Franziska Weipert 6.
1973: first Lidl store
He opens it in Ludwigshafen 2.
1977: takes over
His father Josef dies and Dieter becomes chief executive 24.
2004: steps back
Klaus Gehrig succeeds him as chairman and chief executive 2.
2025: AI campus
The foundation breaks ground on the IPAI campus in Heilbronn 1.
Frequently asked questions
In 1973, in Ludwigshafen.
In 2004.
Sources✓ Verified 14 Nov 2026
1 Wikipedia mirror, Dieter Schwarz, 1 Jan 1970, Dates
2 Powerbase, Dieter Schwarz, 20 Oct 2026, AI campus
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