Lindt replace CEO Lechner with interim chief Weisskopf as growth slows
Swiss confectioner Lindt and Sprüngli has removed chief executive Adalbert Lechner and reappointed former leader Dieter Weisskopf as interim CEO following reduced financial outlooks.
FTMQ Food, written by our newsroom0 views
Swiss chocolate manufacturer Lindt and Sprüngli announced that chief executive Adalbert Lechner will leave the company, Food Dive reported on October 20. Former chief executive Dieter Weisskopf is taking over on an interim basis while the board searches for a permanent successor. [1]
According to Food Dive, the leadership change follows a period of slowing growth for the parent company of Lindt and Ghirardelli. The business has faced reduced consumer spending alongside volatile cocoa input prices that increased operating costs. [1]
Lindt and Sprüngli had already lowered its financial outlook twice during the year prior to the management board's decision, Food Dive reported. Weisskopf stated that the manufacturer will invest significantly in its brands while working to improve overall profitability. [1]
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lindt and Sprüngli. Incorporated in 1852 by Italian chocolatier Domenico Ghirardelli, the California-based business is the third-oldest chocolate maker operating in the United States. [1][2]
In short
- Lindt and Sprüngli chief executive Adalbert Lechner is leaving the company.
- Former chief executive Dieter Weisskopf has been appointed as interim CEO.
- The Swiss confectioner cut its corporate outlook twice in 2026 due to volatile cocoa costs and slowing consumer demand.
- Ghirardelli Chocolate Company was incorporated in 1852 and is fully owned by Lindt and Sprüngli.
Sources
Every paragraph above points to the numbered items it rests on. Read the originals here.
- [1]Ghirardelli parent ousts CEO as growth slowsFood Dive, 6h ago (the report this story comes from)
Background
- [2]Ghirardelli Chocolate Company on Wikipedia
Our newsroom writes these reports with the help of software, from the 2 sources listed and nothing else, and checks them against those sources. Facts can still be wrong or move on; the originals are the record. Spotted a mistake? Write to daniel@monsterkong.com.
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- Lindt board replaces chief executive Adalbert Lechner with former bossFood Industry, 2h ago
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