Chocolate maker Lindt says CEO Lechner to leave
Former CEO Dieter Weisskopf returns temporarily as Lindt resets leadership after cutting its 2026 sales outlook twice this year.
- On Oct 19, 2026, Swiss chocolate maker Lindt announced Chief Executive Adalbert Lechner is departing following weak performance, particularly in Europe.
- Deteriorating European demand and elevated cocoa prices forced Lindt to slash its 2026 sales forecast twice last month, intensifying pressure on the board.
- Former CEO Dieter Weisskopf assumed interim leadership immediately as The Board pursues 'new operational leadership to return to consistent, strong growth' globally.
- Lindt shares rose 0.7% in Julius Baer premarket indications despite shedding a quarter of their value this year amid the leadership transition.
- Vontobel analysts criticized The Board for delayed intervention, noting Lechner's deep roots in Germany and Austria—markets central to the crisis—and urged board renewal next spring.
88 Articles
88 Articles
The Swiss chocolate giant Lindt has a surprising change of management. Corporate CEO Adalbert Lechner leaves the company with immediate effect. After 33 years at Lindt, this is the end for him. His predecessor Dieter Weisskopf (71) takes over on a transitional basis.
Swiss chocolate maker Lindt & Sprüngli has parted ways with CEO Adalbert Lechner, who had led the company since the beginning of 2022. The decision comes after several months of struggling sales and growth problems, especially in European markets. The board of directors has decided that the company needs new operational leadership, with the aim of returning it to a growth trajectory. The departure of Lechner, 65, who has worked for the chocolate…
Lindt pushed the executive president away after lowering sales forecasts for 2026, in a context of poor performance in Europe. The Swiss chocolate manufacturer joins companies such as PayPal, Nestlé, Starbucks and Danone, which also replaced their leaders against the expectations and pressure of investors
Lindt prices are rising, sales are falling – now the Swiss chocolate manufacturer is drawing human consequences. Two top managers have to go.
Lindt's boss, Adalbert Lechner, is set to take immediate effect after two prognoses. A former CEO is set to make a turnaround. He has to win back buyers, especially in Europe. Chocolate prices are also set to fall.
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