Lindt & Sprüngli announced on Monday that group CEO Adalbert Lechner will leave the company, as the Swiss chocolatier looks to revive its fortunes.
Lindt said the board of directors has concluded that the company “requires new operational leadership to return to consistent, strong growth and to capture opportunities in all its markets globally.”
Late last month, Lindt cut its 2026 sales forecast for the second time this year, saying the summer heatwaves in Europe dented demand for chocolate.
The board has initiated a search process to identify Lechner’s successor, with Dieter Weisskopf, vice-chairman of the board of directors and former group CEO, assuming leadership of the group as interim CEO with immediate effect.
“The board is convinced that this leadership change will drive future growth,” Ernst Tanner, executive chairman of the board of directors.
“Our brands and market positions are strong, and our focus continues to be on delivering exceptional products and experiences for our consumers and on profitable growth for our shareholders.”
Weisskopf said: “I know Lindt & Sprüngli, the market, and our people well, and all of it is close to my heart. My focus in the coming months will be to return our European business to growth and to build on the strong performance in North America as well as in Asia-Pacific markets such as Australia, China and Japan, where we continue to gain market share.
“We will invest significantly in our brands while improving our profitability. My task is to hand over to the next CEO a company with renewed momentum.”
Tanner said they expect to appoint a new CEO in the second quarter of 2027.
“On behalf of the board of directors, we thank Adalbert Lechner for his important contribution to Lindt & Sprüngli over his 33-year career with the company. He has helped shape the group’s growth trajectory over many years,” he added.