Lindt & Sprüngli has replaced chief executive Adalbert Lechner with former CEO Dieter Weisskopf on an interim basis, effective immediately on 19 October, as the Swiss chocolate maker seeks to restore growth following weaker European sales and two reductions to its 2026 outlook.

The company said its board had concluded that new operational leadership was needed to return the business to consistent growth and capture opportunities across its global markets. Lechner, who became CEO in October 2022, is leaving after 33 years with the company, which expects to appoint a permanent successor in the second quarter of 2027.

Weisskopf, who led the group until 2022 and has served as vice-chairman of the board since then, will oversee the business while the search for a permanent chief executive continues. He said his immediate priorities were to restore growth in Europe, build on performance in North America and Asia-Pacific, and improve profitability while investing in the company’s brands.

The leadership change follows mounting pressure on Lindt’s sales outlook. Reuters reported that the company cut its 2026 sales forecast for the second time this year in September, citing surging cocoa costs and weaker chocolate consumption in Europe. Its shares had fallen by around 25 per cent during 2026 before the announcement, and declined a further 1.7 per cent in early trading on 19 October.

Confectionery Production reported that consumers had pushed back against higher prices for premium chocolate ranges, contributing to weaker-than-expected sales in core markets including Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Lindt had also identified unusually hot European weather during the summer as a challenge for the wider chocolate industry.

The company is making further management changes in Germany and Austria, where weaker customer sentiment has affected performance. Ali Kulein, currently CEO of the Austrian business, will succeed Michal Spiller as head of the German operation, subject to formal approval by the local supervisory board. Fabian Reinhardt, head of global sales, will take over as CEO Austria, with both appointments effective from 26 October.

Executive chairman Ernst Tanner said the board believed the leadership change would support future growth, citing the strength of Lindt’s brands and market positions. He thanked Lechner for his contribution over 33 years and said the succession process would identify the best-qualified candidate for the company’s next phase.

A Lindt spokesperson told Reuters that the management change would not affect the company’s full-year guidance. Lindt is scheduled to publish its 2026 net sales figures on 19 January 2027.

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