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Swiss premium chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprüngli has announced that Group Chief Executive Officer Adalbert Lechner will step down from his post, with former CEO and current vice chairman Dieter Weisskopf returning to lead the confectionery group on an interim basis, effective immediately.
The board-level change follows an executive review concluding that new operational leadership is required to restore consistent sales growth and capitalise on international commercial opportunities. Lechner concludes a 33-year tenure with the premium chocolatier, during which he directed multiple regional operating companies and contributed to the group's global footprint.
Weisskopf, who previously served as Group CEO until 2022 before transitioning to Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, will steer corporate operations while the board conducts an executive search for a permanent successor. A permanent appointment is anticipated in the second quarter of 2027.
"The board is convinced that this leadership change will drive future growth," said Ernst Tanner, Executive Chairman of Lindt & Sprüngli's Board of Directors. "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."
Operational Priorities and European Growth Focus
The leadership transition coincides with mounting operational and raw material pressures across the global confectionery landscape, where historically elevated cocoa bean prices and persistent consumer cost sensitivity have impacted chocolate manufacturing volumes.
Outlining his operational mandate, Weisskopf confirmed that immediate priorities will focus on returning Lindt & Sprüngli’s mature European operations to volume and revenue growth, while protecting expansion across higher-growth international markets:
European Core Markets: Re-energising retail volume across mature Western European grocery multiples and independent accounts to stabilise top-line performance.
North American Growth: Building upon commercial momentum across the United States and Canada, where premium chocolate consumption has shown relative resilience.
Asia-Pacific Expansion: Accelerating brand share across key regional markets, notably China, Japan, and Australia, where the business has consistently gained category share.
Capital Allocation: Striking a balance between continued direct brand marketing investment and structural cost discipline to protect operating profit margins.
"We will invest significantly in our brands while improving our profitability," Weisskopf stated. "My task is to hand over to the next CEO a company with renewed momentum."
Tanner commended Lechner's extensive contribution to the confectionery business, highlighting his strategic role in driving commercial growth across several operating divisions over more than three decades.
Leadership Transitions across Germany and Austria
Alongside the group-level changeover, Lindt & Sprüngli has announced executive appointments across its Central European business units, effective 26 October 2026:
Lindt & Sprüngli Germany: Michal Spiller, CEO of the German operating company, will leave the group after 23 years of service. He will be succeeded by Ali Kulein, currently CEO of Lindt & Sprüngli Austria, subject to formal ratification by the local supervisory board.
Lindt & Sprüngli Austria: Fabian Reinhardt, currently serving as Head of Global Sales for the group, will transition to operational leadership as CEO of the Austrian business.
The regional leadership appointments arrive as confectionery brand owners navigate complex annual retail trade negotiations and execute seasonal packaging drops ahead of the high-turnover fourth-quarter winter holiday and Christmas trading window.
Lindt & Sprüngli CEO Adalbert Lechner Steps Down
October 20, 2026
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