Abgesetzt per sofort: In der Schweizer Unternehmenswelt mehren sich abrupte Chefwechsel

Abrupte Chefwechsel nehmen in der Schweizer Unternehmenswelt zu. This trend is driven by geopolitical changes, increased digitalization demands, and a shortage of skilled workers. Business leaders are put under pressure when they lack answers to these challenges. Companies claim long-term strategies for filling top positions, but unexpected vacancies often arise.

In July, two Swiss companies with stock listings saw CEOs resign immediately. The CEO of Schlierer Equipment, Schlatter, and Gurit, a wind turbine equipment supplier, both left abruptly. In April, Komax, a Swiss machinery manufacturer, and Discounter Denner, part of Migros, experienced sudden leadership changes without presenting direct successors.

Ad interim, the board chair of each company temporarily took over the presidency. Gurit also had to rely on a temporary solution, appointing the finance director to handle business affairs until further notice. Schlatter's successor was the former sales department manager. These companies have faced significant challenges recently.

For instance, the machinery sector has been struggling due to weak investment activity across many industries. Denner is dealing with an outdated store concept and strong competition from global giants like Aldi and Lidl. The wind energy sector saw a recovery in new power plant construction only in recent months. The strained business environment alone is not enough to cause the board to lose patience with the CEO.

Interviews with headhunters from the NZZ indicate a growing need for action in filling top positions. What was sufficient five years ago as a suitable CEO profile is often insufficient today. "Top managers must also demonstrate the ability to manage multiple transformations simultaneously," states headhunter Guido Schilling. The Swiss business world is undergoing profound changes due to shifting geopolitical forces, digitalization, and cultural transformations, such as the growing influence of Generation Z in the workforce and the increasing scarcity of skilled workers.

Additionally, Sigrid Artho, head of Swiss operations at international staffing agency Spencer Stuart, believes that modern CEOs must possess skills beyond those required in the past. She emphasizes the growing importance of cost management, stating that no CEO can solely focus on growth and innovation anymore because no company can grow indefinitely.

Both Schilling and Artho observe that boards are pulling the trigger on CEO dismissals earlier. The longer the board waits to address strategic missteps, the higher the risk of premature removal. The average tenure of CEOs in Switzerland's 100 largest private and public sector companies was eight years in 2026, but Schilling suggests this time frame may shorten.

Headhunters are currently busy. "We have a lot of work," Schilling and Artho agree. The Swiss Performance Index has risen to over 20,000 for the first time. However, some companies with high expectations, controversial priorities, and declining profits may not attract investor interest. Many Swiss industrial firms have relied too long on combustion engines and other traditional products.

This trend is now backfiring. The era of European wind turbine sales records is over, and the US could soon surpass Europe. Gurit and Schlierer Equipment hope for a new boost.