Lindt board replaces chief executive Adalbert Lechner with former boss

Swiss chocolate maker Lindt and Sprüngli announced on October 19 that group chief executive officer Adalbert Lechner is leaving the company after four years in the role, Food Business News reported. Just Food, Food Business News, and Wall Street Journal all reported that the board has named Dieter Weisskopf, board vice chairman and former group chief executive, as interim group chief executive officer effective immediately. Lechner had previously succeeded Weisskopf as group chief executive in 2022. [1][4][7]

The Kilchberg-based manufacturer has initiated a search for a permanent successor, according to Food Business News. Board executive chairman Ernst Tanner stated that the board is convinced the leadership change will drive future growth, noting that the focus remains on delivering exceptional products. Meanwhile, Confectionery News, Reuters, WSJ, and SWI swissinfo.ch reported that the company ousted or sacked Lechner in an effort to reignite growth. [4][5][6][7][8]

Reuters reported that the leadership change follows poor European results and two outlook cuts. Just Food reported that interim chief Dieter Weisskopf faces immediate pressure to restore product volumes lost to pricing strategies. [1][6]