KILCHBERG, SWITZERLAND — The board of directors of Lindt & Sprüngli has promoted Dieter Weisskopf to group chief executive officer. Dr. Weisskopf most recently was group chief financial officer. He succeeds Ernst Tanner, president and c.e.o., who has decided to focus on the role of executive chairman.
The transition of responsibilities as well as the appropriate adjustments of the group management structure will take effect by the end of 2016, the company said.
Dr. Weisskopf joined the Lindt & Sprüngli Group in 1995 as head of finance, administration and purchasing. Since 2004, he also has been responsible for manufacturing. Prior to joining Lindt & Sprüngli he was with Jacobs Suchard Group and Klaus Jacobs Holding. He began his career at Swiss Union Bank.
“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,” Mr. Tanner said. “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 c.e.o. responsibilities to Dr. Dieter Weisskopf, who will together with the group management and my support continue our success story.”
Lindt & Sprüngli’s brands include Lindt, Ghirardelli, Hofbauer, Küfferle, Caffarel and since 2014 also Russell Stover and Whitman’s.