Lindt & Sprüngli dismisses CEO Lechner

Former CEO Dieter Weisskopf will take over leadership on an interim basis with immediate effect, as Lindt & Sprüngli announced in Kilchberg.

The 71-year-old was CFO for many years and had already managed the group until 2022. He is also a member of the board of directors. A permanent successor is expected to be appointed in the second quarter of 2027.

The board of directors came to the conclusion that Lindt & Sprüngli needed new operational management in order to return to consistent, strong growth and better exploit market opportunities worldwide, it said.

At the end of September, Lindt had to lower its sales forecast for the second time this year. Instead of the originally expected organic growth of 6 to 8 percent, the group only expects 0 to 2 percent for 2026. In addition to the high prices, the summer heat in Europe also put a strain on business. The forecast reduction triggered a fall in prices on the stock market.

Interim boss Weisskopf now primarily wants to get the European business back on track for growth. At the same time, investments in the brands should be increased and profitability improved. Business is doing significantly better in North America and Asia.