Extended Group Management to strengthen the executive committee

Kilchberg, March 15, 2011 – With the creation of an “Extended Group Management” Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG is strengthening the Group’s organizational structure. Four experienced personalities with many years of international management expertise within the Group of companies are being appointed for the newly created “Extended Group Management.”

Since a new Group Management, headed by Group CEO Ernst Tanner, took over responsibility for the Lindt & Sprüngli business back in 1993, Group sales have more than tripled. In the intervening period, the organization has pursued its dynamic geographical expansion with the creation of its own subsidiary companies, and with three external acquisitions in Austria (Hofbauer), Italy (Caffarel) and the USA (Ghirardelli Chocolate Company). Access to new markets has been gained on an ongoing basis, while existing key markets have been further expanded. Today, the LINDT brand is marketed by 17 wholly owned subsidiary companies, a number of Lindt & Sprüngli representations and a network of independent long-standing distributors in 100 countries worldwide. At present, LINDT is the only global premium chocolate brand and the world leader in this segment.

Recent years have seen far-reaching changes in the global economic environment. This is reflected in particular in the importance of new sales markets. At the same time there have been permanent changes in consumer behavior, especially in the dynamic newly emerging countries with great potential, for example in Eastern Europe, Asia and South America. To respond to the resulting challenges for Lindt & Sprüngli as an international group of companies, the management structure is now being strengthened at Group level. As of 1 May 2011, the existing Group Management will be supported by a team of four experienced executives; they are to take on strategic responsibilities as members of the newly created “Extended Group Management.” This new organizational structure will broaden the management expertise available within the group of companies, and pave the way for successful continuation of geographical expansion in future, accompanied by sustainable and profitable growth on all fronts.

The four new members of the “Extended Group Management” have acquired many years of international management expertise within the group of companies as chief executives of Lindt & Sprüngli subsidiaries both, in Switzerland and abroad. Their practical experience has familiarized them with the international chocolate markets and future challenges, and their valuable know-how will make an important contribution to the Group Management and vigorously support its activities.

This reorganization of the top management and the accompanying strengthening of the corporate structure is an important and future-oriented step. Its purpose is to adapt the group-wide organization to the challenges of the future and of further geographical expansion, especially in the emerging countries.