Mr. Wirz, Wirz & Partners has once again been named one of the best executive search firms in Switzerland. What sets your firm apart from other competitors in the industry?
Erik Wirz: Wirz & Partners stands out because of our unique approach. We not only find the right people, but also create real added value for our clients by deeply understanding and taking into account the corporate culture and maturity of the organizations. Our expertise goes beyond simply replacing profiles and roles; we focus on creating long-term customer satisfaction and sustainable competitive advantage. We would like to thank our clients and employees for their trust and support.
Can you give us some examples of successful placements that have led to sustainable competitive advantages for your customers?
Erik Wirz: Of course. One example is the placement of a CFO with a leading technology provider. Through our careful selection and consideration of the corporate strategy, we were able to find a CFO who optimized financial planning and analysis and thus increased efficiency. This led to a significant improvement in the company's financial stability and competitiveness.
Another example is the placement of a CEO at a healthcare provider. The new CEO implemented innovative business strategies and optimized patient care, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and sustainable growth for the company.
We also successfully placed a CIO for a large industrial company. The new CIO brought in advanced IT solutions and digital transformations that optimized production processes and reduced operating costs.
In the financial services sector, we placed a CEO and a Chief Risk Officer, who together improved the company's risk management strategies and secured its financial stability. This led to an improved market position and a sustainable competitive advantage.
In the insurance market, we successfully placed a CFO and a Head of Strategy. The new CFO optimized the financial processes and the Head of Strategy developed innovative business models that future-proofed the company and increased customer satisfaction.
In 2024 and early 2025, there were several changes at C-level among the companies listed in the Swiss Market Index (SMI). What trends have you observed in these changes?
Erik Wirz: The financial services sector was particularly affected, with a total of 9 C-level and 3 board changes, as well as the industrial sector with 7 C-level and 3 board changes. The most frequent changes concerned the positions of CEO and CFO. These changes indicate strategic realignments and adjustments in the respective companies in order to meet current challenges and secure future growth.
What role does the age structure of managers play in these changes?
Erik Wirz: Based on the available data and the age structure of boards of directors and C-level executives in Switzerland, it is estimated that a significant proportion of the 1,776 large companies will have to make age-related changes in the next few years. Around 35% of companies will have to make changes to their board of directors, while 20-30% of companies expect age-related changes at C-level.
How do the annual reports of listed companies in Switzerland for 2024 influence your work as a headhunter?
Erik Wirz: The annual reports show a clear focus on digitalization and sustainability. Companies in the pharmaceutical industry are focusing on the digitalization of research and personalized medicine, while financial service providers are improving their risk management and customer orientation strategies. Industrial companies are focusing on automation and sustainable building materials to significantly reduce their CO2 emissions. These trends influence our work as we look for executives who can support and drive these strategic goals.
How do you rate the stock performance of Swiss companies compared to their international competitors?
Erik Wirz: Over the last 12 months, Swiss companies in the pharmaceutical industry have performed strongly compared to their international competitors. Insurance companies clearly outperformed their international counterparts. Technology companies lagged behind the global market leaders, while industrial companies performed similarly to their international competitors. This performance demonstrates the competitiveness and strength of Swiss companies in the global market.
What challenges do you see for the future of the executive search industry in Switzerland?
Erik Wirz: The biggest challenges lie in adapting to the constantly changing market conditions and the needs of companies. It is becoming increasingly important not only to find the right profiles, but also to understand and take into account the corporate culture and the maturity of the organizations. We must also ensure that we create long-term customer satisfaction and sustainable competitive advantages.
How do you ensure that your clients gain long-term competitive advantages through your services?
Erik Wirz: Through our customized consulting and strategic recruitment, we help companies achieve their goals and strengthen their market position. We attach great importance to finding the right people who not only have the necessary skills, but also fit in perfectly with the corporate culture and take into account the maturity of the organizations. Our employees have developed alongside the digitalization of the core processes in executive search, with a focus on more time for the client, client-specific topics and candidate support in the process.
Mr. Wirz, how do you assess the recent CEO changes at SMI-listed companies such as Julius Baer and SIX Group?
Erik Wirz: At Julius Baer, Philipp Rickenbacher stepped down in February 2024 and Stefan Bollinger took over as CEO in January 2025. This change followed financial and reputational challenges, particularly in connection with the insolvency of the Signa Group. Bollinger initiated extensive restructuring measures, including cost reductions and staff cuts. At SIX Group, Jos Dijsselhof stepped down and Bjørn Sibbern was appointed as his successor as of January 1, 2025. Sibbern brings over 20 years of experience in the capital market and is expected to continue to drive the company's growth.
What impact do these changes have on the strategic direction of the companies concerned?
Erik Wirz: These changes indicate a strategic realignment in order to meet the current challenges and to secure future growth. At Julius Baer, the focus is on restructuring measures, while the SIX Group wants to continue to drive growth under Sibbern's leadership.
How do you see the role of the boards of directors in these companies?
Erik Wirz: The boards of directors play a decisive role in the strategic direction and monitoring of corporate management. With an average age of 59.4 years and an average term of office of 9 years, they bring valuable experience and stability to the companies. However, they must also be flexible enough to adapt to changing market conditions and make the right decisions for the future.
What feedback do you receive from your clients about your services?
Erik Wirz: Our clients particularly appreciate the fact that Wirz & Partners becomes part of their company and their team. We provide insights into the competitive situation, provide valuable input into the profile design and ensure maximum projectability without surprises in the process. This close collaboration and our deep understanding of our clients' specific needs are crucial to the success of our placements.
Mr. Wirz, thank you very much for the informative interview and your insights into the executive search industry. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Erik Wirz: I would like to thank our clients and employees once again. Without their support and trust, our success would not be possible. We look forward to continuing to create sustainable competitive advantages together and to shaping the future of the executive search industry.
Market insights into the SMI companies 2024
