INTERVIEW - «Wollen wir mehr oder weniger Wohlstand?» - Für den neuen Economiesuisse-Präsident Silvan Wildhaber ist das die alles entscheidende Frage

Economiesuisse, the umbrella organization for Swiss industry, has elected a new president in the form of Silvan Wildhaber. Wildhaber, a successful entrepreneur and founder of a mid-sized family business, was a surprise choice for the role. He spoke to NZZ.ch about the challenges he sees ahead and his plans for the organization.

Wildhaber emphasizes that his role as an active entrepreneur gives him a unique perspective on the issues facing Swiss businesses. With over 80% of his products exported, he understands the importance of open markets. At 48 years old, he is also one of the youngest presidents in the organization's history, and his election sought to bring about a generational change.

When asked if the experiences of seasoned CEO's would make them take Wildhaber's concerns seriously, he notes that representatives of large companies have chosen him as their president. He believes that his experience as a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) leader makes him well-suited to advocate for the interests of smaller businesses.

Wildhaber acknowledges that the interests of large corporations and SMEs can sometimes diverge, but he stresses that his background in Swiss Textiles and his current role in Economiesuisse allow him to understand both sides. He points to the continued success of his family business, which has been operating for over a century, as evidence of the resilience of Swiss industry.

The textile industry, now a specialized niche focused on export-oriented products, has weathered numerous challenges over the years, including the oil crisis and the devaluation of the Swiss franc. Wildhaber credits his company's success to its ability to adapt to changing circumstances and the country's strong infrastructure, which has enabled Swiss companies to maintain a strong presence in international markets.