Lindt & Sprüngli ousts CEO Lechner, appoints former chief as interim leader

Lindt & Sprüngli’s supervisory board has terminated the employment of CEO Adalbert Lechner effective immediately, citing the need for new operational leadership to restore strong, sustainable growth. Dieter Weisskopf, who previously led the group until 2022 and serves on the board, will assume the role of interim CEO. The board expects to appoint a permanent chief executive in the second quarter of 2027.

The decision comes after the company issued two revenue warnings within a year, reduced its 2026 organic growth forecast to 0-2 percent, and faced weaker demand following sizable price increases. While the European market struggled, the firm reported better performance in North America and Asia. Additionally, the German country head Michal Spiller will depart after 23 years, with Austria head Ali Kulein and global sales director Fabian Reinhardt moving into new roles on 26 October.