Lindt & Sprüngli CEO exits as growth stutters

Lindt & Sprüngli CEO Adalbert Lechner has left with immediate effect as the chocolatier struggles with weak demand across core European markets.

The group kicked off a search process today to find a replacement for Lechner, with vice-chairman and former CEO Dieter Weisskopf taking charge on an interim basis.

Lindt said its board had concluded the business required new operational leadership to “return to consistent, strong growth and to capture opportunities in all its markets globally”.

“The board is convinced that this leadership change will drive future growth,” executive chairman Ernst Tanner said.

“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.”

Lindt expects to appoint a new CEO in the second quarter of 2027, with the recruitment process to assess “the best-qualified people” to lead the company on a renewed growth phase.

Tanner thanked Lechner for his “important contribution” to Lindt & Sprüngli over a 33-year career with the company. “He has helped shape the Group’s growth trajectory over many years. We are grateful to him for his leadership and achievements, and we wish him all the best for the future.”

In September, Lindt downgraded guidance for organic growth in 2026 to between 0% and 2%, down from 4-6% previously. The Swiss group also missed growth targets in the first half.

High prices as the group battled to recoup soaring cocoa costs has deterred consumers in Europe from buying the brand, with successive heatwaves also weakening demand.

Weisskopf added: “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.”

Lindt also announced a leadership change in Germany and Austria. Germany CEO Michal Spiller will leave the company and Ali Kulein, currently CEO Austria, will succeed him, subject to formal approval by the local supervisory board. Fabian Reinhardt, head of global sales, will succeed Kulein in Austria. Both changes take effect on 26 October.