Key facts
- Lindt & Sprüngli announced CEO Adalbert Lechner is leaving.
- Former CEO Dieter Weisskopf appointed interim chief.
- Company aims to name a permanent CEO in Q2 2027.
- Lechner had been CEO since October 2022.
Lindt & Sprüngli announced on Monday that Chief Executive Adalbert Lechner is leaving the chocolate maker, with former CEO Dieter Weisskopf appointed as interim chief with immediate effect. The board stated that new operational leadership is required to return to consistent, strong growth. Last month, the Swiss company cut its 2026 sales forecast for the second time this year, citing surging cocoa costs and reduced consumption in Europe. Lindt aims to appoint a new permanent CEO in the second quarter of 2027. Lechner had been CEO since October 2022. Vontobel analysts suggested the board could have intervened earlier, especially given Lechner's experience in Germany and Austria, markets central to current discussions, and welcomed further board renewal. Lindt shares, which have shed a quarter of their value this year, were seen rising 0.7% in premarket indications.