Change in leadership at economiesuisse: Silvan Wildhaber succeeds Christoph Mäder
11.09.2026
AI-translated. Some sections may contain inaccuracies.
At a glance
- economiesuisse has a new president: After six years at the helm of the umbrella organization, Christoph Mäder handed over the presidency to entrepreneur Silvan Wildhaber on Economy Day.
- Geopolitical tensions pose a challenge for Switzerland. “Now more than ever, we must focus on open markets and ensure stability so that we can maintain our position as a strong exporting nation,” Wildhaber said in his inaugural address.
- Christoph Mäder emphasized that Switzerland’s success story can only continue if we want to remain among the best in the future. This requires the courage to undertake genuine reforms.
After two terms in office, Christoph Mäder handed over the presidency to his successor, Silvan Wildhaber, at today’s Business Day event. In his presidential address, Christoph Mäder emphasized that Switzerland continues to be a leader in many areas. For example, the country’s innovative strength is impressive thanks to the collaboration between universities and businesses. At the same time, however, we have stagnated when it comes to the business environment. The ability and drive to improve the country’s competitiveness through genuine reforms have waned. “I hope that Switzerland will once again demonstrate a natural confidence in its desire to be among the very best. We want to be a country that ranks among the most prosperous in the world. A country that offers the best educational opportunities, has the most sustainable pension systems, ensures the most stable and affordable energy supply, and has the most free trade agreements,” said Mäder. This requires that we muster the courage to tackle genuine reforms.
Silvan Wildhaber Makes a Case for Bilateral Agreements and Free Trade
On this year’s Economy Day, entrepreneur Silvan Wildhaber assumes the presidency. “All around us, there is a trade and tariff war. This poses an enormous challenge for us as a small, open economy. I am firmly convinced that we must seize every opportunity that presents itself to improve our trade relations,” emphasized the new president. “That’s why it’s clear: We must finalize the Bilateral Agreements III and help the free trade agreements with Malaysia and Mercosur reach a breakthrough,” said Wildhaber. For this to succeed, the business community must convince the people of the country of the added value of these agreements. “Day after day, companies and their employees create prosperity for our country—in doing so, we make an indispensable contribution to Switzerland. That is exactly what we need to highlight even more effectively—with commitment and passion. Only in this way can we entrepreneurs reach people’s hearts,” Wildhaber emphasized.
Photo: Clara Tuma
Photo: Clara Tuma
Photo: Clara Tuma
Photo: Clara Tuma
Photo: Clara Tuma
Photo: Clara Tuma
Photo: Clara Tuma
Photo: Clara Tuma
Switzerland in the World: Openness and Stability as Key Factors
In terms of content, the Economy Day focused on the question of how Switzerland should position itself in today’s world. Switzerland, as an export-oriented nation, is under considerable pressure. Uncertainties characterize the economic environment. Now more than ever, Switzerland must skillfully navigate its foreign economic policy. Federal President Guy Parmelin, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education, and Research (WBF), emphasized the importance of diversification in this context. This is precisely why it is crucial to continuously improve access to key export markets through new and modernized free trade agreements. Martin Schlegel, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, highlighted in his keynote address how the Swiss economy is holding its own in a challenging global environment and how the SNB contributes to stability and competitiveness. In the subsequent panel discussion, Paolo Compagna, CEO of Schindler, Nina Probst, partner at McKinsey & Company and head of the Geneva office, Monika Rühl, Chair of the Executive Board of economiesuisse, and Adrian Steiner, CEO of Thermoplan AG and President of the Central Switzerland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHZ), explored how companies can navigate the current geopolitical situation and what business conditions are essential for Swiss companies operating internationally.
For inquiries:
Silvan Lipp
Head of Communications, Member of the Executive Board
+41 44 421 35 57
