Global confectionery brand Lindt has announced the departure of its CEO Adalbert Lechner effective from today (19 October).
He worked at the business for over 33 years and helped to manage the company and create profitable growth.
This comes amid financial struggles for the business, which reduced its full-year guidance and expects sales to decline by 4 to 6 per cent.
The company has appointed vice-chairman of the board of directors and former CEO Dieter Weisskopf as interim CEO as the business seeks a successor.
Weisskopf said: “My focus in the coming months will be to return our European business to growth and to build on the strong performance in North America as well as in Asia-Pacific markets such as Australia, China and Japan, where we continue to gain market share.
“We will invest significantly in our brands while improving our profitability. My task is to hand over to the next CEO a company with renewed momentum.”
Lindt has been experiencing weak sales due to lowered global demand and forecasted negative results due to growing economic concerns among shoppers internationally.
Additionally, the company has announced plans to reshuffle its international team as it pushes towards a turnover.
Michal Spiller, Lindt’s CEO in Germany, will depart and Ali Kulein, the current CEO in Austria, will replace him moving forward.
Ernst Tanner, executive chairman of the board of directors said: “The board is convinced that this leadership change will drive future growth.
“Our brands and market positions are strong, and our focus continues to be on delivering exceptional products and experiences for our consumers and on profitable growth for our shareholders.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
