Lindt + Sprüngli: Change in Group Management

Kilchberg / CH. (ls) Chocoladefabriken Lindt + Sprüngli announces that Ernst Tanner, President + CEO, has decided to focus on the role as Executive Chairman by the end of 2016. At the same time the Board of Directors has appointed in this week’s meeting Dr Dieter Weisskopf, Group Chief Financial Officer, as new Group Chief Executive Officer.

This decision underlines our commitment to continuity of further growth of the Lindt + Sprüngli Group. The transition of responsibilities as well as the appropriate adjustments of the Group Management structure will be effective by the end of this year. In his position as Executive Chairman, Ernst Tanner will concentrate on the long-term strategic direction of the Group.

Chocoladefabriken Lindt + Sprüngli AG, Kilchberg, Switzerland, sets the long-term course for a major transition at the top of the company. Based on the more than 20 years lasting successful cooperation between Tanner and Weisskopf – continuity – playing an important role in the Lindt + Sprüngli Group – is granted and the course for a prosperous future is set.

Tanner said: «I am proud of what the Management Team together with over 13’000 passionate and dedicated employees has achieved over the past 20 years and I am looking forward to a successful future. Thanks to our strong culture we have built a great foundation to further strengthen our position as the worldwide leading premium chocolate company. I am very pleased that I can hand over the CEO responsibilities to Dr Dieter Weisskopf, who will together with the Group Management and my support continue our success story».