Schweizer Schokoladenkonzern: Lindt & Sprüngli entlässt Konzernchef Lechner
Der Schokohasen-Hersteller leidet unter teuren Kakaopreisen und dem heißen Sommer. Nun soll ein alter Bekannter für die Wende sorgen.
Lindt & Sprüngli, a Swiss chocolate corporation, has announced that it will be separating from its chief executive, Adalbert Lechner. The company's board has deemed new leadership necessary to reinvigorate the organization's growth. Dieter Weisskopf, a former chief executive, will assume interim leadership immediately, as reported by Lindt & Sprüngli in Kilchberg.
Weisskopf, who is 71 years old, has been the financial chief and led the corporation until 2022. He also serves on the board. A permanent successor is expected to be appointed in the second quarter of 2027. The board concluded that Lindt & Sprüngli needed fresh operational leadership to restore consistent, strong growth and capitalize on global market opportunities.
The reason for Lechner's departure was not specified. The company has been struggling with declining sales for months. Due to skyrocketing cocoa prices, the manufacturer had to significantly raise prices for Lindor chocolates and chocolate bunnies. In the first half of 2026, the price hikes averaged 11.8 percent, while sales volumes fell sharply.
Particularly in Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, consumers were more sensitive to the higher prices than anticipated. Consequently, Lindt began offering some products at lower prices as early as the summer. Additionally, the company is focusing on smaller packaging sizes. In September, Lindt had to lower its sales forecast for the second time this year, projecting only 0 to 2 percent growth for 2026 instead of the initially expected 6 to 8 percent organic growth.
Besides high prices, European summer heat also impacted the business. The forecast revision led to a drop in the company's stock price. Germany's CEO also needs to go, with interim chief Weisskopf aiming to revive the European business first. He plans to increase investment in brands and improve profitability. North America and Asia are performing well in terms of business.
In Germany, CEO Michal Spiller is leaving after 23 years. His successor will be former Austria CEO Ali Kulein.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Food: Lindt & Sprüngli parts ways with CEO Lechner handelsblatt.com
