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Lindt & Sprüngli replaces CEO, starts reset

NEWS

October 19, 2026 at 07:19 UTC

2 min read
Premium chocolate bars on a factory line illustrating leadership change and strategic reset at a chocolatier

Key Points

  • 01Lindt & Sprüngli CEO Adalbert Lechner leaves with immediate effect
  • 02Vice‑chairman Dieter Weisskopf steps in as interim CEO immediately
  • 03Board targets appointment of a new permanent CEO in Q2 2027
  • 04Leadership changes in Germany and Austria take effect on 26 October

Top leadership change at Lindt & Sprüngli

Lindt & Sprüngli announced a sudden change at the top of its management, with Group Chief Executive Adalbert Lechner leaving the company with immediate effect. Lechner had led the Swiss chocolate maker during a period marked by significant operational challenges. His departure triggers an immediate reshaping of the company’s leadership structure at both group and country levels.

Vice‑chairman of the Board and former Group CEO Dieter Weisskopf will assume leadership as interim CEO with immediate effect. This appointment brings back an experienced executive who has previously led the group, while the company prepares for a longer‑term succession plan.

Board launches long-term CEO succession process

The Board of Directors has initiated a formal search process to identify a new permanent Group CEO. The board expects to appoint this new chief executive in the second quarter of 2027, setting out a multi‑year transition timetable. Until then, Weisskopf will guide the group in the interim role.

In outlining the rationale for the change, the board stated that Lindt & Sprüngli requires new operational leadership to return to consistent, strong growth and to capture opportunities across all of its markets globally. The leadership reset is positioned as a step toward strengthening performance and execution in a demanding environment for the confectionery sector.

Country management reshuffle in Germany and Austria

Alongside the group‑level transition, Lindt & Sprüngli is implementing targeted management changes in key European markets. Germany CEO Michal Spiller will leave his position, prompting a reshuffle of regional responsibilities.

Ali Kulein, currently serving as CEO Austria, has been named as Spiller’s successor as CEO Germany. At the same time, Fabian Reinhardt, who is Head of Global Sales, is slated to become the new CEO Austria. These country‑level appointments are scheduled to take effect on 26 October.

The coordinated shifts in Germany and Austria align with the board’s stated goal of sharpening operational leadership. By adjusting both group and regional management, the company is seeking to better position itself to pursue growth opportunities in its core markets while the broader CEO succession process unfolds.

Key Takeaways

  • 01Lindt & Sprüngli is entering a multi‑year leadership transition, with an interim CEO in place while a permanent successor is sought for 2027.
  • 02The board links the CEO change directly to the need for stronger operational execution and more consistent global growth.
  • 03Simultaneous management moves in Germany and Austria indicate the reset extends beyond the group level into key regional markets.

References

  1. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-10-19/lindt-s-ceo-exits-as-chocolate-firm-grapples-with-weak-demand
  2. https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/lindt-and-sprungli-ceo-exits-as-growth-stutters/724933.article
  3. https://www.memesita.com/lindt-ceo-adalbert-lechner-leaves-dieter-weisskopf-named-interim-chief/
  4. https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/lindt-ceo-lechner-leave-former-ceo-steps-interim-chief/
Lindt & Sprüngli replaces CEO, starts reset | Trading Dashboard