Back to growth 2021

With Andrea Berlinger Schwyter, President, Berlinger Group | Martin Naville, CEO, Swiss American Chamber of Commerce | Felix Sutter, Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce SCCC | Moderation Thomas Först, Head of Global Network, Member of the Executive Committee, Switzerland Global Enterprise
The disagreements between China and the USA are having a marked effect on the global economy. Our guests in the TV studio discuss what consequences this will have for internationally active Swiss companies – ask your questions live on air: What does the dispute mean in terms of the demand for Swiss goods and services? Is it still economically viable for a company to be active in both markets? Will we have to choose between Chinese and Western suppliers?

15.45 - 16.15h, German with simulaneous translation into English and French

#geopolitics #longsession

With Jane Owen, UK Ambassador to Switzerland and to Liechtenstein | Martin Hirzel, President, Swissmem | Sebastian Ramspeck, International correspondent and moderator, SRF Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen | Moderation Martina Gmür, Head of Export Promotion and Member of the Executive Committee of Switzerland Global Enterprise
Switzerland concluded a free-trade agreement with the UK before it left the EU. But the bilateral agreements with the EU enable Swiss companies to be much more closely involved in the domestic European market. Our high-profile speakers in the studio will be discussing: Opportunities, disadvantages and success factors of the new UK deal | What can we expect from the framework agreement with the EU – and will Brexit help or hinder progress? How do we handle the uncertainty?

16.35 - 17.05h, English with simulaneous translation into German and French

#geopolitics #longsession

With Eugen Peterhans, CEO and Delegate of the Board of Directors, Howag Kabel AG | Dr. Tomasz Gonsior, Partner, OptiBuy | Moderation Katalin Dreher-Hajnal, Senior Consultant Central Eastern Europe, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Howag Kabel AG produces cables for ventilators in China and Bulgaria. You will hear from the CEO how the company managed to ramp up production in Bulgaria in no time at all and get some useful advice on preventive diversification – plus you can ask questions live.

15.45 - 16.05h, German

#valuechainoptimization

With Pierre-Yves Bonvin, CEO, Steiger Participations SA | Gregoire Metz, CEO, DECISION SA | Moderation Mélusine Perrier, Project Manager EEN, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Take part in the inspiring CEO Talk with two Chief Executives from the automotive and MEM industries. They explain why it is essential for every sector and company to constantly adapt its value chain. The subsequent panel discussion offers you the opportunity to ask your own questions on the theme.

16.15 - 16.35h, French

#valuechainoptimization

With Giuseppe Maffei, Founder, DEVELED Sagl | Moderation Monica Zurfluh, Head of S-GE Southern Switzerland, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Though business trips or a trade fair participation are still difficult, it is definitely possible to remotely make a product or service well known in the shortest time and at the lowest cost possible. How? Let’s discover the Growth Hacking techniques!

16.45 - 17.05h, English

#valuechainoptimization

With Klaus Haller, Senior Security Architect, AXA | Moderation Annina Bosshard, Consultant USA & Canada, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Companies digitize and optimize their business processes with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and improve their decision-making. However, wide-spread AI platforms in companies open up new ways for hackers and cyber criminals to attack these companies. What are the consequences for IT security + IT risk organizations - and the senior management?

15.45 - 16.05h, German

#riskmanagement

With Chris Leuenberger, FX Sales Corporate & Institutional Clients, Credit Suisse AG | Moderation Daniel Bont, Senior Consultant China / HK / Taiwan, Switzerland Global Enterprise
At the start of January, Credit Suisse published what is already the fifth edition of the annual FX study. More than 1,000 corporate clients were asked about their market expectations and how they deal with currency risks. We look at the most important results and present innovative hedging solutions. 

16.15 - 16.35h, German

#riskmanagement

With Carsten Böhler, Head of Client Acquisition and SME Underwriting, SERV
How can I insure my export transactions in old and new markets after the restart? How can SERV help me to make my bid more attractive? How can SERV help me deal with liquidity shortages when that big contract comes in?

16.45 - 17.05h, German

#riskmanagement

With Stefan Zwicky, Head of Swiss Business Hub Italy | Patrice Jacquier Head of Swiss Business Hub France |  Moderation Alberto Silini, Head of Consultancy, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Italy against France – two of the offices of Switzerland Global Enterprise (Swiss Business Hubs) go head-to-head to compete for your favors! Find out more about trends, strengths and clichés, and get an overview of the two markets, in a fact-packed 20-minute session. You cast your vote live to decide which is the better market for you.

15.45 - 16.05h, English

#businessopportunities

With Deepti Sharma, Deputy Head Swiss Business Hub India | Feranica Susanto, Senior Trade Officer, Swiss Business Hub Indonesia | Moderation Angela Di Rosa, Senior Consultant South East Asia, Switzerland Global Enterprise
India against Indonesia – two of the offices of Switzerland Global Enterprise (Swiss Business Hubs) go head-to-head to compete for your favors! Find out more about trends, strengths and clichés, and get an overview of the two markets in a fact-packed 20-minute session. You cast your vote live to decide which is the better market for you.

16.15 - 16.35 h, English

#businessopportunities

With Mark Untersander, Head of Swiss Business Hub Chile | Philippe Praz, Head of Swiss Business Hub Brazil | Moderation Martina Bietenhader, Manager Global Network, Consultant Brazil, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Chile against Brazil – two of the offices of Switzerland Global Enterprise (Swiss Business Hubs) go head-to-head to compete for your favors! Find out more about trends, strengths and clichés, and get an overview of the two markets in a fact-packed 20-minute session. You cast your vote live to decide which is the better market for you.

16.45 - 17.05h, English

#businessopportunities

With Daniel Schneider, Head of Swiss Business Hub Southern Africa | Thomas Schneider Consul General & Trade Point Nigeria Head | Moderation Bastien Bovy, Consultant India, Middle East, Africa, Switzerland Global Enterprise
South Africa against Nigeria – the offices of Switzerland Global Enterprise (Swiss Business Hubs) go head-to-head to compete for your favors! Find out more about statistics, strengths and clichés, and get an overview of the two markets in a fact-packed 20-minute session. You cast your vote live to decide which is the best market for you.

15.45 - 16.05h, English

#businessopportunities

With Andreas Schmocker, CEO und Co-Founder, Lumendo AG | Moderation Jacqueline Tschumi, Consultant Japan + South Korea, Switzerland Global Enterprise
During the first lock-down the young company Lumendo had to close their labs for three weeks. The team decided to brainstorm how to use their technology portfolio to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Within two weeks Lumendo submitted an application to InnoSuisse and the Gebert Rüf Foundation, and started developing molecules for a long-lasting hand sanitizer. In this interactive session Lumendo's CEO offers insights into how to move quickly and how to benefit from difficult situations.

16.15 - 16.35h

#businessopportunities

With Andreas Roth, Leiter TOP 100 Startup Cooperation, Director, Credit Suisse AG | Mike Leupi, Senior Corporate Client Advisor SME / Vice President, Credit Suisse AG | Stefan Steiner, Co-Managing Director, Venturelab AG | Daniel Meyer, CEO, EGO Movement | Moderation Philip Morger, Consultant Internationalization Starters, Switzerland Global Enterprise
The ideal workshop for startups and other companies that want to expand. You gain an overview of the options for funding your expansion phase and get useful tips in practical interviews with successful entrepreneurs – including time and space for your own questions.

16.45 - 17.05h

#businessopportunities

With Thomas Munsters, Managing Director SGS MACO Customs Services, SGS | Philipp Muster, Managing Partner, efreight AG | Moderation Alfonso Orlando, Head of Export Help, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Complicated and time-consuming logistics processing with delivery notes, i.e. physical papers, manual stamping and long waiting times at customs, are still part of the everyday reality – but could soon be a thing of the past. With its ‘DaziT’ project, the federal government is advancing a digitalisation effort. Implementing this, however, requires the appropriate IT infrastructure. This event will examine what DaziT is and what solutions are available on the market for its implementation.

15.45 - 16.05h, German

#trends

With Dr. Simon Hefti, co-founder and chairman, D ONE | Moderation Patrik Wermelinger, Head of Investment Promotion, Member of the Executive Committee, Switzerland Global Enterprise
The swiss industry is renowned for precision, efficiency and innovation and constantly needs to prove its position - even more so after the financial and production challenges of 2020. In this talk, we discuss real-life examples from the Swiss industry - logistics, manufacturing, services - every CEO needs to know. The examples explain the four ways to generate value with data and AI: by increasing the top line through value-add services; by increasing the bottom line through automation; by reducing risk through customer loyalty; by capturing opportunities through new income streams. The common theme of these examples: data, machine learning and artificial intelligence are deeply integrated “must haves” of your offerings.

16.15 - 16.35h, English

#trends

With Martin Knuchel, Lufthansa Group Pandemic Coordinator, Swiss International Air Lines AG | Moderation Alain Bayer, Head of HR + Training, Member of the Executive Committee, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Passenger safety and connecting Switzerland to the world are top priorities for SWISS. In this breakout session, Martin Knuchel, Lufthansa Group Pandemic Coordinator, will give insights into his work and provide information on the current situation. Be part of this interactive session and ask your questions about air travel.

16.45 - 17.05h, German

#trends

On 20 September 2017, the United Federal Assembly elected Ignazio Cassis (FDP) to the Federal Council. He took up his post as head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs on 1 November 2017.
 
For the two years prior to his election to the Federal Council, Mr Cassis, a doctor of medicine, was president of the parliamentary group of the FDP.The Liberals, of which he was a member since his election to the National Council in 2007. From 2015, he chaired the National Council's Social Security and Health Committee. He was also vice-chair or chair of various parliamentary groups. His political career began in 2004 with his election to the legislative authority of the Ticino municipality of Collina d'Oro.

Photography: © Markus Jegerlehner

Aude Pugin is CEO of APCO Technologies SA, an industrial company based in Aigle. APCO Technologies is active in various sectors of the industry, particularly in the European space market and the energy market in France.

After 10 years practice in law, she has joined APCO Technologies since 2009 as a representative of the second generation of the family business. She is also Vice-President of the Federal Commission for Space Affairs and President of the Vaud Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Photography: © Pierre Vogel

Andrea Berlinger Schwyter was the sixth generation of her family to enter the textile trade when she joined her parents’ firm, Berlinger & Co. AG. There she held a wide variety of positions before completely taking over the company, together with her husband, in 2008. She was co-CEO until 2018 and has been Chair of the Supervisory Board since that time. As a result of the skilled reconfiguration of its core business areas, the parent company Berlinger & Co. AG has progressed from the original textile company to become one of the leading manufacturers of temperature monitoring devices. Its customers include almost all the major global pharmaceutical companies, vaccine manufacturers and aid agencies, such as UNICEF. Berlinger Special AG was founded in 1998. It specializes in the manufacture of ultra-secure seal systems. These are used for the secure transportation of top athletes’ urine and blood samples. As a result of takeovers and the creation of new companies, the Group has now established footholds in the USA and the Netherlands and is gearing up for the future with new business ideas as an integrated system provider in the area of temperature monitoring, with around 120 employees worldwide. The Group’s export ratio is around 95%, distributed across 170 countries. 
Andrea Berlinger Schwyter is also on the Board of St. Gallen’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) and she advises other family-owned companies, in some cases holding a seat on their supervisory boards. She is married to Daniel Schwyter -Berlinger. They have two adult children together.

Since 2004, Martin Naville has been CEO of the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce, a leading business organization that forges and maintains economic policy ties between the US and Switzerland for its 1,800 members (Swiss and US companies) and promotes optimal business location conditions for Swiss and foreign multinationals in Switzerland. Previously, he spent 16 years with The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in Munich, Zurich and New York, serving as a partner since 1995. Martin Naville started his career in 1984 as a corporate banker at JP Morgan in Zurich and New York.

Naville holds a degree in law from the University of Zurich (Uni ZH). He is President of the Zurich Zoo, a member of the Board of Directors of Swissquote, the leading Swiss e-banking provider, Senior Advisor at Morgan Stanley (Switzerland), a member of the Global Advisory Board of ETH Zurich and President of the Komitee Weltoffenes Zürich. He is married, has two grown-up sons and lives in Küsnacht ZH.

Felix Sutter serves as the President of the Swiss Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) since 2015, he was instrumental in repositioning SCCC and restructuring its Board to address todays and the chamber’s future needs. 

Felix Sutter has been a Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Switzerland for more than 19 years. During this period Felix worked with domestic and international clients and gained in-depth understanding of some of the most prominent emerging markets in Asia. 

Felix has been nominated in November 2017 as one of only three “Visiting Leaders” at the China European International Business School (CEIBS) Shanghai Campus.

In 2019, Felix has been asked to join China Construction Bank Trust’s “Global Family Wealth Strategy Advisory Committee”. 

Last year, Felix Sutter has founded SUCCEED Consulting GMBH with a Chinese partner. The company’s mission is to connect innovative Swiss and Chinese companies, entrepreneurs and investors.

Recently he has joined AMROP Hoer Tan in Singapore as a partner and will be active in leadership consulting activities as well as being a x-culture mentor for business executives in Asian and European Markets. 

Jane took up her post as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein in December 2017. She served as British Ambassador to Norway from 2010-2014, and subsequently as the Chief Operating Officer of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), the government body responsible for promoting Britain’s commercial and business relationships around the world. Jane has held senior positions in the British High Commission in India, and British embassies in Japan and Vietnam, as well as working in the European Union department at the Foreign Office in London.

Martin Hirzel became President of Swissmem in January 2021, and has worked in Swiss industry for more than 20 years. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Bucher Industries AG, Dätwyler Holding AG and two privately owned SMEs. He is also a member of the Regional Economic Council of the Swiss National Bank, and chairs the Advisory Board of ZHAW School of Management & Law. He was CEO of Autoneum Holding AG for nine years up to the end of 2019. Prior to this, he managed the market region South America, Middle East & Africa for four years, mainly from its headquarters in São Paulo, Brazil. Between 2000 and 2007 he lived in Shanghai, China, where he was responsible for establishing the local presence of Rieter Holding AG. A native of Zurich, Martin Hirzel started his career by doing a vocational apprenticeship before going on to study business management with a focus on industry and international production at ZHAW. He then completed the GMP at Harvard Business School.

Sebastian Ramspeck, 46, grew up in the city of Zurich. He studied international relations in Geneva, European law in Zurich and is a graduate of Hamburg’s Henri-Nannen School of Journalism. Ramspeck began his professional career in the Swiss federal government, first in the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and later in an administrative department of the Federal Council. As a journalist he has worked for various media companies in Switzerland and abroad, including time as a correspondent at Der Spiegel in Dusseldorf. From August 2014 until February 2020, Ramspeck was EU correspondent for Swiss broadcaster SRF in Brussels. Today he works for SRF in Zurich as international correspondent and host of the international news show #SRFglobal.

Simone Wyss Fedele has been CEO of Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), the official Swiss organization for export and investment promotion, since October 2019. With a PhD in economics, she has worked as a management consultant for internationalization issues, developed new business models for the international market and accompanied companies such as Helvetia Insurance, Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Novartis through macroeconomic and political challenges.

Ruth Metzler-Arnold has been Chairwoman of Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) since 2011. She is a former Vice President and member of the Swiss Federal Council (1999-2003). She is Chairwoman of Fehr Advice & Partnrs, Deputy Chairwoman of AXA Switzerland and sits on several boards of directors, among them are Bühler AG Uzwil, Reyl & Cie. SA and Swiss Medical Network SA. In addition, Ruth Metzler-Arnold presides the Board of Trustees of the Pontifical Swiss Guard Foundation and is a member of the Board of Trustees of Avenir Suisse and SVC Unternehmerstiftung.

In previous years, Ruth Metzler-Arnold was member of the Cantonal Government (Department of Finance) of Appenzell Innerrhoden. As a lawyer and certified public accountant, she held leading positions with Novartis and PricewaterhouseCoopers during her career in the private sector.