Switzerland : Swiss premium chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprüngli has announced the immediate departure of Group CEO Adalbert Lechner, marking a major leadership change as the company faces slowing sales and weaker consumer demand in key European markets.
Lechner, who served the company for 33 years and became Group CEO in October 2022, has been succeeded on an interim basis by Dieter Weisskopf, Vice-Chairman of the Board and former Group CEO. The company has begun searching for a permanent successor, with an appointment expected in the second quarter of 2027.
The leadership change comes after Lindt revised its 2026 sales growth forecast twice during the year. Rising cocoa costs, substantial chocolate price increases and increasingly price-conscious consumers have affected demand, particularly across Europe. The company reduced its organic sales growth outlook for 2026 to 0–2%, reflecting mounting pressure on its premium chocolate business.
The Board believes fresh operational leadership is necessary to restore consistent growth and strengthen the company’s position across global markets. Weisskopf will focus on reviving European sales while building on the company’s performance in North America and Asia-Pacific.
Lindt has also announced management changes in Germany and Austria. Ali Kulein, currently CEO of Lindt Austria, will take charge of the German business, replacing Michal Spiller, while Fabian Reinhardt, Head of Global Sales, will assume leadership in Austria. Both changes are scheduled to take effect on October 26, 2026.
The developments highlight the growing challenges facing premium chocolate manufacturers as they balance increasing production costs, consumer price sensitivity and the need to sustain sales volumes.