Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG announced 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 its meeting Dr. Dieter Weisskopf, Group Chief Financial Officer, as new Group Chief Executive Officer. This decision underlines 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 2016. In his position as Executive Chairman, Ernst Tanner will concentrate on the long-term strategic direction of the Group.