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Chocolate maker Lindt ousts CEO after poor European results, two outlook cuts - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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Chocolate maker Lindt ousts CEO after poor European results, two outlook cuts

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on October 19, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: October 19, 2026

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Lindt Removes CEO Following Poor European Results and Outlook Reductions

Lindt & Sprüngli Leadership Changes and Financial Performance

By Tristan Veyet

CEO Departure and Interim Appointment

Oct 19 (Reuters) - Lindt & Sprüngli said on Monday that CEO Adalbert Lechner was leaving the company following the chocolate maker's recent outlook cuts and weak performance in Europe, with former CEO Dieter Weisskopf taking over as interim chief with immediate effect.

"The Board of Directors has concluded that Lindt & Sprüngli requires new operational leadership to return to consistent, strong growth and to capture opportunities in all its markets globally," the Swiss company said in a statement.

Market Reaction and Financial Outlook

Lindt shares, which have shed a quarter of their value so far this year, fell 1.7% by 0731 GMT.

Sales Forecast and Cocoa Price Surge

Last month, Lindt cut its 2026 sales forecast for the second time this year amid surging cocoa costs and weaker chocolate consumption in Europe. Cocoa prices had risen to £4,356 ($5,803) per metric ton as of Friday, from £2,057 a ton in February.

European Market Challenges

Weaker customer sentiment in Lindt's German-speaking markets has been a growing concern, and the company is also switching leadership in its Austrian and German businesses in response.

Leadership Changes in Regional Branches

Ali Kulein, current CEO of the Austrian branch, will become the head of the German arm, while head of global sales Fabian Reinhardt will lead the Austrian business.

Analyst and Company Reactions

"The board should also face scrutiny: we believe it could have intervened earlier, particularly given Lechner's extensive experience in Germany and Austria, the markets at the centre of the current debate. We would welcome further board renewal next spring," Vontobel analysts said in a note following the news.

Future Leadership Plans

Lechner had been the CEO since October 2022. Lindt said it aimed to appoint a new permanent CEO in the second quarter of 2027.

Guidance and Reporting

A company spokesperson said the leadership change did not impact Lindt's full-year guidance.

($1 = 0.7506 pounds)

(Reporting by Tristan Veyet in Gdansk, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak)

Key Takeaways

  • Lindt cut its 2026 organic sales growth forecast twice this year to just 0–2%, down from an initial 4–6%, citing surging cocoa costs, a European heatwave, and soft consumer sentiment in key markets. (economia.uol.com.br)
  • CEO Adalbert Lechner, who took over in October 2022, will leave immediately; Dieter Weisskopf, former CEO and current Vice‑Chairman, will serve as interim CEO, with a permanent successor expected in Q2 2027. (eqs-news.com)
  • Lindt is reshuffling regional leadership: Ali Kulein moves from Austria to head Germany, while Fabian Reinhardt takes over Austria, effective October 26. Analysts warn the board should have acted sooner; shares have lost roughly 25% year‑to‑date. (eqs-news.com)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Lindt's CEO Adalbert Lechner ousted?
He was removed after the company posted poor results in Europe and had to cut its outlook twice in 2024.
Who is the interim CEO of Lindt?
Former CEO Dieter Weisskopf has been appointed as interim chief executive with immediate effect.
How have Lindt's shares performed in 2024?
Lindt shares have lost about 25% of their value so far this year and dropped 1.7% after the CEO change announcement.
What are the main challenges Lindt faces in Europe?
Lindt faces surging cocoa costs, weaker chocolate consumption, and declining customer sentiment, especially in German-speaking markets.
Does the leadership change affect Lindt's 2024 guidance?
Lindt stated that the leadership change does not impact its full-year 2024 financial guidance.

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