Executive Profiles
In a company with countless friendly faces, these are a few that you’re sure to see when you start a new career at Lindt USA. Our senior leadership team is dedicated to not only ensuring Lindt’s continued success as leading provider of premium chocolate, but also to cultivating a welcoming environment for fellow teammates to learn and grow.
Marco Peter
President & CEO
Marco joined Lindt USA in 2024 with a vision to elevate the brand and drive growth in the U.S. market. His strategic approach fosters collaboration across all departments, ensuring the company thrives in a competitive landscape.
Marco studied food engineering at ETH Zurich, where he discovered his passion for business. He brings a wealth of experience in the chocolate industry, having joined Lindt & Sprüngli in 2014. He quickly progressed from Vice President of Marketing in Switzerland to CEO of Caffarel. Most recently, he served as CEO of Lindt & Sprüngli Switzerland, where he continued to drive innovation and growth within the brand.
Outside of work, Marco enjoys spending time with his partner and his three children. He is also an avid sports enthusiast, including cycling, trail running, and ski touring. His favorite Lindt product is the 85% Excellence chocolate bar, for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
Steffen Haydt
CFO
Steffen leads essential support functions at Lindt USA that include Finance, Procurement, Demand Planning, Business Solutions and Information Technology. Through his strategic and empowering approach, he and his team operate as true business partners by providing support and insight to all areas of the company.
Steffen began his career with Lindt in 2016 after holding the role of CFO for a Global Dairy organization. He holds an MBA from the University of Economics and Politics in Hamburg, Germany. In his downtime he enjoys visiting the local seacoast beaches with his wife, son and daughter. Steffen’s favorite Lindt product is the LINDOR 60% truffle because of it’s hard, yet delicate shell and smooth dark chocolate filling.
Monya Fiore
Vice President, Human Resources
Monya leads our Human Resources function at Lindt USA, championing strategic initiatives, and playing a critical role in supporting our people and business to foster a culture of engagement and excellence.
Having joined Lindt USA in January 2025, Monya brings several years of FMCG experience driving strategic HR leadership, talent development, and various HR-related initiatives. Monya received her MBA and a dual degree in Human Resources and Marketing from Northeastern University. In her downtime, Monya enjoys spending time outdoors with her family—skiing, boating, walking, and traveling. Monya’s favorite Lindt product is the 60% Extra Dark Chocolate Truffles.
Melissa Mendoza
Vice President, Marketing
Melissa joined the team in 2023, bringing a wealth of marketing leadership from her work within the fast-moving consumer packaged goods industry, including roles at Colgate-Palmolive and Campbell Soup Company. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business at York University (CA). Melissa is a nature enthusiast who enjoys walking her dog, reading, and spending time with her husband and two sons. Her favorite Lindt product the CLASSIC RECIPE Hazelnut Milk Chocolate bar.
Aparna Kothapalli
Vice President, Research & Development, Quality and Consumer Services
At Lindt USA, Aparna oversees the teams responsible for research and development, quality assurance, and consumer services. The team is dedicated to innovation, strengthening Lindt USA's trusted service division while introducing new goods, recipes, initiatives, and procedures.
Having joined the Lindt USA team in 2023, Aparna brings several years of CPG experience working on innovation of major multi-billion global brands at Kraft Heinz and General Mills. During her tenure there, she established innovative R&D/quality processes, driven by a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the customer. Aparna holds a Ph.D. in Food Science from Purdue University. In her free time, Aparna enjoys being with her family and outdoor activities such as walking and gardening. The LINDOR milk truffles are Aparna’s favorite Lindt product.
James Waller
Vice President, Sales
James leads our dynamic team of Sales professionals in the Stratham, NH Corporate Office and locations across the US. With expertise in Sales, Category Management and Shopper Marketing, this talented group is instrumental to Lindt’s growth and continued success.
James began his Lindt career in 2013 as Sales Director for the UK, before being promoted to his current role in 2021. Prior to Lindt, he gained valuable experience with Accenture, Danone and Unilever. James holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Birmingham (UK). He loves spending family time with his wife and 2 young daughters, while also enjoying outdoor sports activities such as playing soccer, running, swimming and cycling. James notes that his favorite Lindt product is the GOLD Bar with hazelnuts.
Giovanna Maurer
Vice President, Operations
Giovanna oversees all aspects of Lindt USA’s Operations. With a proven track record of success and combined with a passionate, committed team, she is well-equipped to drive operational excellence.
Giovanna began her career at Lindt in 2023, bringing with her over 20 years of expertise in operational leadership from her time with Mondelēz International and Nestle. She holds a Master of Science in Food Science and Technology from Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich. Outside of work, Giovanna enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She also prioritizes her health with a variety of wellbeing activities. Her favorite Lindt product is the Excellence 85% dark chocolate bar.
Patrick Diggelmann
Vice President, Retail, eCommerce and B2B
Patrick leads a team who is committed to delight the consumer wherever they shop for Lindt products. With a passion for high quality, premium products, they ensure our consumers have an amazing experience whether it’s in our retail stores, online e-shop or working with the Corporate Gifting team.
Patrick began his career at Lindt in 2011 as the Chief Financial Officer at the UK subsidiary, before his promotion to the Country Manager role at Lindt Brazil in 2014. Patrick holds his PhD in Finance and Risk Management from the University of Zurich. He enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, and is an enthusiastic “foodie” who takes full advantage of Portsmouth's great restaurant scene. With a love for the delicate shell and smooth melting center, Patrick’s favorite Lindt product is the milk chocolate LINDOR truffle.
Sarah Keller
Vice President, North American Sustainability
Sarah is providing guidance to the North American Lindt & Sprüngli companies to implement the Lindt & Sprüngli Sustainability plan and supporting regional cross functional teams to embed sustainability in all key business processes & decisions.
Through her passion for this work and commitment for a better tomorrow, Sarah will drive transformational change focusing on the areas that have the highest impact on the environment, society and economy.
Sarah began her career with Lindt USA in 2009 as the Senior Director of R&D/QA, was later promoted to VP R&D/QA and transferred end of 2023 to the new VP North American Sustainability position. She holds a Master of Science degree from the Technical University in Zurich. Sarah and her husband love traveling with their two sons and participating in various outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking the local trails. When looking for a quick pick me up during the day, Sarah chooses a Mozart Kugel with the delicious marzipan and chocolate cream filling.