Lindt has replaced its chief executive Adalbert Lechner and brought back Dieter Weisskopf on an interim basis to address falling demand for its premium chocolate products. The Swiss chocolate group said the board concluded new leadership was needed to return to consistent, strong growth and has initiated a search for a permanent successor. Weisskopf, who stepped down in 2022, will resume leadership immediately.
Lindt’s share price has fallen more than a quarter this year after raising prices more than any other major chocolate maker, increasing prices 40% since 2022 while achieving only 2% volume growth. The company slashed its full-year sales growth guidance from 4-6% to 0-2% in September, citing an extended European heatwave. Supermarket scanner data showed Lindt sales fell 10% in western Europe in the four weeks to September 6.
Despite falling cocoa prices after 2024 highs, Lindt continued raising prices, which were up 11.8% year-on-year in the first half of 2026. Weisskopf said his focus is on restoring European business growth while building on strong performance in North America and Asia, aiming to invest in brands and improve profitability. Lindt chair Ernst Tanner expects a permanent replacement by Q2 2027.
The company also replaced the head of its Germany and Austria business, its largest market, where it has started slashing prices after prior increases led to volume declines. Barclays analyst Warren Ackerman noted Lindt typically promotes internally but may hire an outsider this time for a fresh perspective.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing