Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG announced changes to its operational leadership on October 19, 2026, stating that group CEO Adalbert Lechner is leaving the company. The board of directors has initiated a search process to identify a successor, with the appointment scheduled for no later than the second quarter of 2027. Dieter Weisskopf, vice-president of the board of directors and former group CEO, assumes operational management as interim CEO with immediate effect.
The board determined that the enterprise requires new operational leadership to return to consistent, robust growth and to effectively leverage global market opportunities. Executive chairman Ernst Tanner stated that the board believes this leadership transition will actively drive future growth, emphasizing that the group's brands and market positions remain strong. Tanner noted that the organization remains dedicated to offering exceptional products and experiences to customers while generating profitable growth for shareholders.
Interim CEO Dieter Weisskopf highlighted his familiarity with the enterprise, the market, and the employees. For the upcoming months, his primary focus centers on returning the European business to a growth trajectory. Additionally, the company is relying on strong performance across North America and Asia-Pacific markets such as Australia, China, and Japan, where market share is being captured. Plans include substantial investments in brands and further improvements in profitability, with the objective of handing over a dynamic, ambitious enterprise with fresh momentum to the next chief executive.
Tanner expressed gratitude to Adalbert Lechner for his significant contributions during his 33 years with the company, noting that he shaped the group's growth trajectory over many years and thanking him for his prudent leadership and initiatives.
Furthermore, the corporation announced leadership changes in Germany and Austria, taking effect on October 26. Michal Spiller, CEO Germany, is leaving the enterprise, and Ali Kulein, currently CEO Austria, will take over the position, subject to formal approval by the local supervisory board. Fabian Reinhardt, head of global sales, will succeed Kulein as CEO Austria. The board acknowledged Michal Spiller for his substantial contributions to growth in Central and Eastern Europe, Austria, and Germany over his 23 years at the company.
The next scheduled corporate publication is the 2026 revenue report on Tuesday, January 19, 2027, at 7:00 CET. Headquartered in Kilchberg, Switzerland, the premium chocolate maker operates 12 production sites in Europe and the US, with 41 subsidiaries, approximately 100 distributors, and around 650 company-owned shops. The group reported a turnover of CHF 5.92 billion in 2025 with about 15,500 employees.
