In 2018, Johannes Läderach took over operational leadership as CEO of the globally active Swiss premium chocolate manufacturer. Since 2021, he has also held the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. Together with his brothers Elias and David Läderach, he represents the third generation of entrepreneurs in the company founded in 1962. From a small manufactory in the Glarus region, Läderach has grown into an internationally recognized brand with over 250 chocolateries—an impressive expansion that Johannes Läderach has played a key role in shaping in recent years.
Every family business faces the “third-generation curse.” Johannes Läderach faced it head-on – and used it as a springboard to reinvent one of Switzerland’s most cherished chocolate brands. In this frank talk he unpacks four transformations (communication, internationalization, culture, and brand) and the leadership learnings behind each: why transparency wins in a crisis, why culture beats the perfect CV, and why you should rebrand from strength, not necessity.
