06 June 2016 --- Swiss chocolate and confectionery maker Lindt & Sprüngli has appointed finance director Dieter Weisskopf as its new chief executive, replacing Ernst Tanner, current CEO and president, who is taking on the reduced role of executive chairman.
Weisskopf joined Lindt in 1995 to head up its finance division and has held a number of roles with Lindt across purchasing, administration and finance.
Tanner, who has been chief executive since 1993 and chairman since 1994, will focus on his new role from the end of 2016.
Ernst 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”.
The company highlighted the importance of "continuity" in making the appointment of its new chief executive, who has worked with Tanner for more than 20 years.
Lindt, which sells premium products and is famed for its golden-foiled wrapped bunnies, has been on an expansion drive under Weisskopf.
In 2014, it acquired US company Russell Stover, making it the third biggest chocolate maker in the US.