Lindt USA names new VP of operations

Lindt & Sprungli, the world's leading producer of premium chocolate, on July 29 announced the appointment of Robert E. Michalski as vice president of operations for Lindt USA. Michalski will be based at the Lindt USA headquarters in Stratham, N.H.

In his new role, Michalski will be responsible for all manufacturing, distribution, engineering, logistics and demand planning for Lindt USA, which produces more than 300 premium chocolate products at its Stratham, N.H., facility, including the company's iconic Lindor Truffles and Excellence bar collection.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Robert to Lindt USA, as he brings a wealth of experience to the company," said Thomas Linemayr, president and CEO of Lindt USA. "With his addition, Lindt will continue to achieve the highest quality standards, while accommodating the growing consumer demand for premium chocolate."

Michalski has more than 25 years of experience in the food and beverage business. Prior to joining Lindt in June 2010, Michalski previously worked for M&M/Mars and Cadbury Italy. Michalski received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.

A leader in the premium chocolate category, Lindt achieved the fastest growth of all chocolate brands in the U.S. market in 2009, along with substantial gains in market share. This summer, Lindt USA unveiled a new 40,000-square foot, multi-million dollar cocoa liquor plant at its headquarters. The new roasting facility is the latest development of Lindt USA's ongoing expansion efforts, which includes the addition of 350,000-square feet of production, packaging and distribution facility space over the last four years. The expanded Lindt USA facility now makes chocolate from bean to finished product for the United States, Canada, Mexico, England and Australia using Lindt's 165-year-old Swiss recipes and quality standards.

About Lindt & Sprungli
Founded in 1845, Lindt & Sprungli is a global leader in the premium chocolate category, offering high-quality products in more than 100 countries. Lindt & Sprungli operates eight production facilities in Europe and the United States and employs 7,400 worldwide. Lindt USA operates more than 40 retail stores in the U.S. and maintains wide distribution through extensive retail and wholesale channels.