Swiss chocolate maker Lindt & Sprüngli sacks CEO

Swiss chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprüngli has parted ways with CEO, Adalbert Lechner, following two profit warnings within a year.

The board of directors believes new leadership is needed to put the company back on track for growth.

Former group CEO Dieter Weisskopf is taking over as interim leader with immediate effect, Lindt & Sprüngli announced on Monday. Weisskopf, 71, served as Chief Financial Officer for many years and had previously led the Group until 2022.

He is also a member of the board of directors. A permanent successor is to be appointed in the second quarter of 2027.

Directors concluded that Lindt & Sprüngli needed new operational leadership in order to return to consistent, strong growth and to better capitalise on market opportunities worldwide, the company stated.

Lechner, aged 65, had worked for Lindt & Sprüngli for 33 years and had taken over as CEO at the start of 2022. The company did not provide any further details regarding the circumstances of the departure.

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Price rises hamper sales

Lindt & Sprüngli has been struggling with sales problems for months. Due to the sharp rise in cocoa prices, the manufacturer of Lindor balls and chocolate bunnies had raised its retail prices significantly. In the first half of 2026, price increases averaged 11.8%. At the same time, sales volumes fell significantly.

Consumers in Germany, Switzerland and Britain, in particular, reacted more sensitively to the higher prices than expected. Lindt therefore began offering individual products at lower prices again as early as the summer. The firm is also focusing on smaller packs.

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At the end of September, Lindt was forced to lower its revenue forecast for the second time this year. Instead of the originally expected organic growth of 6 to 8%, the group now anticipates only 0 to 2% for 2026.

In addition to high prices, the summer heatwave in Europe also weighed on business. On the stock market, the profit warning triggered a sharp fall in the share price.

Interim CEO Weisskopf now aims, above all, to get the European business back on track for growth. At the same time, investment in the brands is to be increased and profitability improved. Business is performing significantly better in North America and Asia.

There is also a change of leadership in Germany. Country manager Michal Spiller is leaving the company after 23 years. His successor will be the current head of the Austrian division, Ali Kulein.

Kulein’s position will be taken over by the current global sales director, Fabian Reinhardt. Both changes will take effect on October 26.

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Translated from German, reviewed by an English Department journalist.