Triple award in the area of employer branding: Miele Switzerland is one of the best employers in Switzerland. For the fifth time in a row, the premium domestic appliance manufacturer has received the «Top Company» award from kununu 2026, the best-known employer seal. Only around five percent of companies receive this award. Miele Switzerland also received the coveted «Top Employer» certificate once again. The company has also held the «Friendly Work Space» label since 2023.

Quality has always been a top priority for Miele - in its products, in its service and also in the management of its employees. Three awards in the HR area make it clear how important the satisfaction of its workforce is to Miele. «It is particularly important to us that our employees enjoy coming to work, feel completely at ease and at the same time have the opportunity to develop themselves further,» explains Diana Risola, Regional Director Human Resources DACH at Miele.

Top Company seal from kununu

For the fifth time in a row, Miele Switzerland was awarded the independent seal of approval from the job review portal kununu this year. It is the best-known employer seal in the DACH region and only around five percent of companies receive it. Miele thus remains one of the most popular employers in Switzerland. With an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5.0 and a recommendation rate of 82 percent from its employees, the stable trend is confirmed. This is well above the industry average of 3.4 points in the retail sector. «The kununu score shows how satisfied our employees are. The consistency of the rating also confirms the sustainability of our HR work,» says Diana Risola.

Top Employer Certificate

The outstanding working conditions for employees at Miele Switzerland are underlined by the renewed «Top Employer» certificate from the world's leading certification company, the «Top Employers Institute». The institute assesses companies on the basis of the «HR Best Practices» questionnaire. This comprises six overarching HR dimensions and 20 HR areas, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Well-being and Diversity & Inclusion. «Only companies with an outstanding work and development environment at the various levels of HR receive this prestigious award. That makes us very proud,» says Diana Risola.

«In addition to flexible working time models, our comprehensive Miele Health Program also focuses on the health and well-being of our employees.» Miele Switzerland also performs particularly well in the area of «Leadership and People Strategy». «The development of our employees is very important to us. This is the only way they can realize their full potential, continue to develop and thus actively contribute to the success of the company,» says the HR manager.

Friendly Work Space label

Since 2023, Miele Switzerland has also been awarded the «Friendly Work Space» label. The seal of approval from the Swiss Health Promotion Foundation is awarded to companies that have systematic occupational health management (OHM) and thus create optimal conditions for the health of their employees. «The health of our employees is our top priority,» explains Diana Risola. «The award confirms our philosophy of anchoring health management in our corporate policy and actively implementing it.»

Miele uses both financial and human resources for occupational health management. In addition to training and further education opportunities, the measures include regular personal discussions between employees and managers, ergonomic work equipment, health-promoting offers and measures for achieving a work-life balance.

Miele is regarded as the world's leading provider of premium domestic appliances, with an inspiring portfolio for the kitchen, laundry and floor care in the increasingly networked home. The company is owned by the two founding families Miele and Zinkann and has 19 production sites, eight of which are in Germany. Around 23,500 people work for Miele worldwide. The Swiss sales company employs around 450 people.

Is my component basically feasible? Is it within the relevant production capacity limits? These are the feasibility questions that buyers and engineers most frequently ask the AI-supported agent from digital procurement provider Facturee. This is shown by a recent analysis of 927 inquiries submitted to the Facturee Navigator. Only aggregated, completely anonymized topic clusters were evaluated, which do not allow any conclusions to be drawn about individual users or companies.

The Facturee Navigator is a specialist AI agent for industrial procurement that answers technical questions about manufacturing processes, materials and surface treatments. It was launched in the fall of 2025 and has been used regularly by buyers and engineers ever since. The Navigator works completely without a login and is therefore completely anonymous. No personal data is collected or stored.

Feasibility first: capacity and size limits as a top issue

The questions asked of the AI agents are diverse. However, the evaluation shows trends: capacity and size limits are the top priority with around 21% of inquiries. Users primarily use the Navigator for a quick GO/NO-GO evaluation before investing time in the request for quotation. Maximum CNC milling dimensions, machine-related capacity and dimensional specifications in the turning area and general part and geometry limits are very common.

«Users want clarity at an early stage as to whether a component is even feasible in terms of production technology,» explains Christopher Walzel, Co-Founder and CPO at Facturee. «Our AI agent serves as a technical decision-making aid to rule out technical risks at an early stage.»

Technical comparison: material qualification and surfaces

In second place with 15 percent of inquiries is the topic of material qualification. Many users specifically ask about the machinability and availability of special alloys such as Nitronic, Inconel 718, Ti-6Al-4V or S355JR. The aim is to rule out unsuitable options before a design commitment is made and to further reduce technical risks.

With around 12% of inquiries, the topic of surface treatment and finishing ranks third. This is particularly often about aluminum surface treatments, but also about the compatibility of material and process, the sensible sequence of individual process steps and surface roughness specifications, such as Ra values. Here too, users are looking for a reliable technical comparison.

In addition to the core technical issues, delivery time certainty also plays a central role. Recurring inquiries mainly concern the delivery time after order confirmation, differences between one-off and series production and regional delivery speeds. The time aspects often come into focus when technical issues have already been clarified and a decision is imminent.

Reach your destination faster and easier

«Feasibility, material and delivery time have always been crucial for procurement,» says Christopher Walzel. «With the AI agent, we offer users the opportunity to obtain this information very quickly free of charge using AI that we have trained on production knowledge. Of course, we also continue to provide personal advice to help users make informed decisions if required.»

Facturee is a digital procurement provider for the procurement of drawing parts that offers companies access to an international manufacturing network with over 2,000 verified partners via a central interface. Instead of coordinating individual suppliers themselves, customers use Facturee as their sole contractual partner. The company takes care of the entire process - from selecting manufacturers to quality assurance - and is directly responsible for guaranteeing production.

Source: Facturee

Shortly after the completion of the merger in December 2025, Helvetia Baloise decided on a new, uniform brand identity across all country units. The visual implementation involves merging the established word mark «Helvetia» with the figurative mark, which was only modernized in 2022 through a rebranding, as well as the Baloise color and typeface world. The new brand will be gradually introduced in the various markets from 2026, thus forming the basis for a successful and modern market presence.

The Group-wide brand identity of Helvetia Baloise is of crucial importance for the perception of the company that will be merged in December 2025 and is formative for the identity in a total of eight country markets. The Board of Directors and Group Executive Management have therefore decided to clarify the future brand identity shortly after the merger has been completed. As the largest all-lines insurer in Switzerland and one of the ten leading listed insurance companies in Europe, Helvetia Baloise is underlining its commitment to continuing to successfully combine the tried and tested with the new.

Universally applicable quality feature

Group CEO Fabian Rupprecht emphasizes: «With the name Helvetia, we have a universally applicable quality feature in the country units and language regions. Combined with the modern imagery of Baloise, which depicts a stylized basilisk as a symbol of protection and vigilance, we as a leading international insurance provider convey the claim regarding our values and the quality of our services and products.»

Introduction in Switzerland and Germany in 2026

The new market presence will be officially launched this year in Switzerland and Germany, i.e. in those countries where the two brands Helvetia and Baloise were already represented. The other country units will follow in the coming years. With the combined logo, the Board of Directors and Group Executive Management are confirming the implementation of a merger of equals. The name of the Group organization Helvetia Baloise will not be changed as part of the new brand identity.

IFRS amortization expense brought forward

Due to the applicable IFRS regulations, the word mark «Baloise» must be capitalized and amortized over time. The decision on the new brand identity reduces the relevant useful life for the market units in Switzerland and Germany to one year and up to five years for the market units in Belgium and Luxembourg.

This will result in an early amortization expense of CHF 1,000 million to CHF 1,100 million after tax for the 2026 financial year in connection with the new brand identity, which corresponds to around two thirds of the total amortization of the Baloise brand value including the logo. For the financial years 2027 to 2030, this expense after tax is likely to amount to CHF 75 million to CHF 125 million per year. For the following years until the brand is fully amortized in 2040, Helvetia Baloise assumes annual amortization of just under CHF 10 million.

For the IFRS opening balance sheet, the value of the Baloise brand is expected to be comparable to that in the PFFI (pro forma financial information) as at half-year 2025. Of the total CHF 3,378 million before tax in intangible assets according to PFFI, around 50 per cent was attributable to the brand value including the logo. The amortization listed has no impact on the IFRS opening balance sheet, underlying earnings, SST, Solvency II, local statutory accounting or dividend capacity.

Important milestones have been reached in the weeks since the merger was completed. The presentation of the new market presence is one of them. Helvetia Baloise will report in detail on the progress of the merger as part of the presentation of the annual results on Capital Markets Day on April 15, 2026.

Instead of relying on classic branding, Gastro Kanton Zürich decided together with Zutt & Partner for neuro-marketing - an empirical approach that relies on customer emotions instead of customer statements and thus avoids many typical biases (survey distortions). The EmoCompass survey tool used identified three key emotional factors that are crucial for Zurich's hospitality industry: Proximity, inspiration and trust.

«We didn't want a stronger brand - we wanted one that resonated,» says Walter Schweizer, Head of Marketing at Gastro Kanton Zürich. «Neuro-marketing helped us to reach the subconscious of our members - and thus create a real connection again.»

From logo to attitude to life

The new branding is not a facelift, but an emotional architecture: the logo, imagery and typography visually convey closeness, inspiration and trust. The new website www.gastro.zuerich with nine subdomains is not a «digital catalog», but invites dialogue, connects people and offers valuable e-commerce functions. And every other element of the new brand also consistently serves the emotional appeal: the course brochure in particular becomes a multi-sensory experience with its round punching and interactive parts.

The effect: emotions that make success measurable

Almost two years after the launch, the figures speak for themselves: plus 50 percent active users on the website, the session duration has increased from 53 seconds to over four minutes. The engagement rate is 59.5% and the Google rating is 4.6 stars (previously 3.9). The association also recorded a 20% increase in course participants, new target groups and a stronger regional identity.

The difference: traditional marketing communicates - neuro-marketing builds loyalty

While traditional brand work directs the eye, neuro-marketing directs the emotion. Zutt & Partner's EmoCompass translates neuropsychological needs into concrete design and communication - from website structure to tonality.

«Zutt & Partner's neuromarketing approach, which has been tried and tested for more than 20 years, creates brands that do more than just look good - they meet the actual desires of the target group. The consistent incorporation of neuropsychological principles ensures greater involvement and conversion. Gastro Kanton Zürich is a prime example of effective brand work on an emotional level,» says Philipp Zutt, Managing Partner at Zutt & Partner.

What used to be GastroZürich is now Gastro Kanton Zürich - an association that brings the restaurant industry together. The rebranding shows how strategic branding works through emotions: Precise instead of bold - with the aim of not only being visible, but making real belonging tangible. A textbook example of how neuromarketing combines brand, people and motivation with measurable success.

Zutt & Partner, based in Bubikon-Zurich, specializes in neuromarketing, customer experience and the emotionalization of marketing touchpoints. With innovative tools such as the EmoCompass and EmoCheck, as well as expertise in over 50 neuro-principles for more impact in the customer brain, Zutt & Partner helps companies to differentiate themselves emotionally and create unique customer experiences. Gastro Kanton Zürich is the cantonal industry and employers' association for the hospitality industry in the canton of Zurich and represents over 2500 member businesses.

The location could not have been more fitting: Surrounded by exclusive new cars such as the McLaren GT or Mercedes SLS through to sporty youngtimers and fine classic cars such as a Ferrari GT 2+2, the AGVS presented the successful new specialists with their certificates at the «Meilenstein» in Langenthal BE. Presenter Nina Havel opened the event with a personal example that illustrated why repairs belong in the hands of well-trained specialists. Her conclusion: professional competence pays off - training makes the difference.

«Be a human and not a robot!»

Now 149 new automotive diagnosticians and automotive workshop coordinators have joined the automotive industry throughout Switzerland. Werner Bieli, President of the QSK-AD/AWK Quality Assurance Commission, congratulated the graduates and looked to the future of the industry. An increasing variety of drive systems, stricter emissions regulations and new technologies demand flexible all-rounders with high quality. «Your success is the result of flexibility and quality,» emphasized Bieli. In front of the 350 or so guests, he paid tribute to the graduates« extra performance and gave them four guiding principles for their careers: Be a role model, show patience and empathy, remain persistent - even with yourself - and don't lose your sense of humor. »In short: be a human being and not a robot."

The two AGVS Central Board members Charles-Albert Hediger and Barbara Germann also offered their congratulations. Hediger recalled the 140th anniversary of the invention of the automobile and emphasized the central role that competent garage mechanics have always played. Germann emphasized that the certificate does not stand for flawlessness, but for the ability to systematically find and solve problems. She called on the newly qualified specialists to remain loyal to the industry: «You are the engine and fuel - or better today: energy - for our trade and keep it running!»

Additional asset in hand with new title

The purchasing organization for the automotive and motor vehicle industry (ESA) remains an important partner of AGVS vocational training. It has supported the AGVS financially for decades and presented a cheque for CHF 20,000 again this year. ESA Executive Board member Matthias Krummen encouraged the new specialists to play an active role in shaping change and to remain curious. The planned introduction of the new Professional Bachelor and Professional Master titles in the second half of 2026 will open up additional prospects. This is because the Professional Bachelor title supplement for higher vocational education and training (HF) qualifications and federal professional qualifications, which is also more internationally understandable, will give the 149 young professionals an additional asset that underlines their equivalence to academic tertiary education with a strong practical focus.

Olivier Maeder, member of the AGVS Executive Board responsible for education, pointed out this innovation and motivated the graduates to continue their education: «We naturally hope that many of you will also take the next step and aim for the new Professional Master's qualification, for example by completing further training to become a business economist in the automotive industry.» Maeder was particularly pleased that Abinas Uthayarasa, a SwissSkills bronze medal winner and newly qualified automotive diagnostician, could well imagine following this path. The Bernese explained at the award ceremony: «I was thinking about business administration, but I would also like to be a practical training instructor or vocational school teacher - that would interest me too.»

Special prizes for the best

The lucky graduates were then presented with their certificates in a festive setting before Werner Bieli presented the special prizes for the best grade point averages in the three language regions. In the automotive workshop coordinator category, these went to Ivan Simoni from Iragna TI (grade 4.7), Anthony Baz from Carouge GE (5.2) and Remo Blöchliger from Wolhusen LU and Jonas Herzog from Hottwil AG (4.9 each). Three talented automotive diagnosticians specializing in passenger cars won the additional award with a score of 5.5: Fiona Z'Rotz from Buchs SG, Nevio Bernet from Ufhusen LU and Mathias Stettler from Thun BE. And in western Switzerland, Aloïc Steffen from Founex VD was delighted with a good 4.6. Janik Zahnd from Ittigen BE (grade 5.7) and Valdet Delija from Collombey VS (5.3) were honored in the commercial vehicles category.

Before the 350 or so guests and experts and the successful professionals from the three training courses moved on to the «Aquarium Bar» for a tasteful meal, expert Jürg Dähler was given a fitting farewell and received a special pepper mill in the shape of a spark plug as well as thunderous applause in thanks for his work.

Source: AGVS

The Atos Group, a global leader in AI-powered digital transformation, has appointed Olivier Vareilhes as its new Head of Switzerland. In this role, he will support the strategic development of the Swiss business of Atos and Eviden and in particular drive further growth in cloud, cybersecurity, digital services and artificial intelligence.

Over 25 years of international experience

Olivier Vareilhes has more than 25 years of international experience in the IT and technology industry and is a proven expert in business development, strategic sales and the transformation of complex organizations. In various roles, he has shown that he can both manage companies efficiently and develop them successfully in the long term - always with a clear focus on the customer.

Most recently, Vareilhes was Vice President & General Manager EMEA (DACH) at Kudelski Security, where he successfully realigned the organization, established partnerships and achieved significant sales growth. Prior to that, he held leading management and sales positions at Kyndryl and IBM, including Managing Director Switzerland and Sales Director with responsibility for key accounts and a business volume of several hundred million US dollars.

Focus on digital transformation

«I am delighted to take on this responsibility at such an important time,» says Olivier Vareilhes. «Together with the team, I will focus on driving the Atos and Eviden brands forward and helping customers to expand their business intelligence, drive innovation and create measurable added value through digital transformation.»

«Olivier Vareilhes has in-depth industry knowledge and a strong customer focus,» says Daniele Principato, responsible for international markets at Atos. «We are convinced that his experience and deep understanding of the Swiss market will strengthen the local organization and support our growth ambitions by positioning the entire Atos and Eviden portfolio.»

Vareilhes is a Swiss and French citizen, speaks fluent French, English and German and holds an MBA from Henley Management College (UK) as well as a Master's degree in Electronic & Industrial Computing Engineering. He is considered a transformational leader with a strong focus on employee development, cultural change and sustainable profitability.

Source: www.atos.net

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1300"] The speakers at the seventh regional products conference in Zollikofen. Source: zvg[/caption]

On January 22, 2026, the Swiss regional products scene met at the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (HAFL) in Zollikofen for the seventh edition of the Regional Products Conference. The focus was on the question of how regional products can be positioned between the practical requirements of gastronomy and the demands of a genuine gourmet region. A topic with weight: the market for regional products in Switzerland is now worth around two billion Swiss francs.

Strong growth, limited visibility

Demand for regional products is developing positively, but there is still a need for action in terms of public awareness. In particular, only a small proportion of consumers are aware of the national regio.garantie seal of quality. Future communication approaches should therefore increase visibility without diluting the diversity and independence of the individual regional brands.

Innovative products made from simple raw materials

Several practical examples showed how innovative spirit and perseverance can lead to exceptional products. For example, high-quality vinegar specialties were created from Thurgau apples and cold-pressed oils from rapeseed, which received national awards. The decisive factors here were a love of experimentation, years of development work and a direct exchange with customers.

The takeover of an existing business can also provide new impetus. In a sheep's milk cheese dairy, a consistently open pricing policy, combined with contemporary brand management and a targeted presence in social media, led to a successful repositioning and long-term stabilization of the company.

Together instead of alone: infrastructure and logistics

A recurring theme at the conference was the importance of cooperation. In Zollikofen, producers and start-ups now have access to a shared processing infrastructure that enables them to professionally process their own raw materials without having to make large investments.

At the same time, it became clear that access to community catering poses particular challenges. High ecological standards, complex logistics and the expectation of a year-round, standardized offer are often in conflict with seasonal, regional production.

Regional products as a driving force for tourism

Finally, the focus turned to tourism. Regional specialties can make a targeted contribution to raising the profile of destinations. In so-called "Genussregionen", products that have previously received little attention - such as goat meat - are to be given greater value through new forms of processing and close cooperation with the food service industry. The aim is to create additional demand and at the same time ensure fair producer prices.

The regional products conference impressively demonstrated that sustainable success does not depend on the product alone. The decisive factors are further processing, clear positioning and, above all, the interaction of all those involved along the value chain - from production and logistics to gastronomy and tourism.

The Board of Directors of AXA Switzerland has appointed Pierangelo Campopiano as Head of Distribution and member of the Executive Board. The 47-year-old Swiss-Italian dual national succeeds Patric Deflorin, who has been CEO of the company since January 1, 2026.

Broad expertise in sales and digitalization

Pierangelo Campopiano is currently Head of the Customer and Market Division and a member of the Corporate Executive Committee at the CSS Group. From 2018 to 2024, he was CEO of the online insurer Smile, then a subsidiary of the Helvetia Group and now part of the new Helvetia Baloise.

Prior to this, Campopiano held various positions of responsibility at the Zurich Group. Among other things, he was Head of Cooperation & Direct Sales from 2012 to 2015 and Head of Sales Strategy & Change at Zurich Switzerland from 2017 to 2018. From 2015 to 2017, he was Head Strategic Marketing & Distribution Services at Farmers Insurance Group in Los Angeles.

Sound training

The designated Head of Sales holds a degree in Business Administration HF, an Executive Master in Customer Relationship Management & Marketing from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and completed an Advanced Management Program at the Executive School of the University of St. Gallen.

«I am delighted that in Piero we have gained an accomplished leader with a broad range of experience and an impressive track record. Thanks to his in-depth expertise in sales, customer care, marketing and digitalization, he is ideally equipped to successfully lead our distribution functions with their various advisory and sales channels into the future,» explains CEO Patric Deflorin.

The appointment of Pierangelo Campopiano is subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.

«Relationships, values and power structures that have developed over decades are being overturned,» says Andreas Löhrer, Professor at the Institute of Finance and Law at the OST - Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences and organizer and moderator of the Unternehmensspiegel Ostschweiz. In this increasingly erratic world, companies are faced with a variety of crises that could threaten their very existence.

Focus on corporate management

«The effects of these crises on our local SMEs are manifold,» emphasizes Andreas Löhrer. One of these effects is that there is a strong focus on company management: «Employees expect guidance and decisions.» Communicating clearly and transparently, breaking through and questioning habitual thought patterns, making well-founded but quick decisions - these are the skills that managers need to demonstrate in times of crisis. «A crisis is always an opportunity to rethink the business strategy and identify new opportunities. This can make the company more future-proof,» says Andreas Löhrer.

Resilience as a competitive advantage

Especially in times of crisis, it becomes clear which companies are resilient. Not only individuals, but also companies can be resilient. How a company reacts to change is a good indicator of this. According to Andreas Löhrer, corporate resilience is therefore becoming a key competitive issue. «Thanks to their ability to adapt and act, certain companies have even been able to benefit from crises in the past.» Entrepreneurial resilience and how companies can specifically promote it are key topics at the 17th Unternehmensspiegel Ostschweiz.

Two events with experts

The «Unternehmensspiegel St.Gallen» will take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the St.Gallen campus of OST. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a welcome address by Prof. Thomas Metzger, Head of the Department of Economics at OST. This will be followed by input presentations by Martin Saladin, Deputy Director and Head of the Directorate for Economic Promotion at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs Seco, and Dr. Esther Omlin, lecturer at the IFL Institute for Finance and Law at OST, on the topic of «Global events and the impact on your own company». A panel discussion - moderated by Andreas Löhrer - will provide practical perspectives on the topic. The participants of the panel are: Martin Saladin, Simon Büchel, Head of Sales and Marketing and member of the Executive Board of Ergoswiss, Roman Federer, CEO of Federer Informatik, and Christoph Hammer, independent consultant and member of several boards of directors. Johannes Holdener, Chairman of the Executive Board of Raiffeisenbank St.Gallen, bids the audience farewell before the aperitif riche.

The «Unternehmensspiegel Appenzellerland» will take place at the Hotel zur Linde in Teufen on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Yves Noël Balmer, member of the cantonal government of Appenzell-Ausserrhoden, will welcome the audience at 6 pm. Dr. Simone Haeberli, Head of SME Policy at Seco, and Dr. Esther Omlin, lecturer at the IFL Institute for Finance and Law at OST, will give input presentations on the topic of «Global events and the impact on your own company». Andreas Löhrer will moderate a panel discussion in which the topic will be explored in greater depth with practical perspectives. Participants will be: Dr. Simone Haeberli, Philipp Wyser, CEO of Wyon, Daniel Toppel, CEO of Arcolor, and Ueli Manser, Director of Appenzeller Kantonalbank, who will also bid the audience farewell during the aperitif riche afterwards.

The Unternehmensspiegel Ostschweiz offers tradespeople and SMEs the opportunity to exchange information on current developments in the practical research of the ISM Institute for Strategy and Marketing and the IFL Institute for Finance and Law of the OST - Ostschweizer Fachhochschule. Further information and registration at: www.ost.ch/unternehmensspiegel-ostschweiz

The software has been implemented, the budget invested - and yet the team is only using the CRM system half-heartedly. A scenario that many entrepreneurs are familiar with. The new e-book «CRM Practice 2026» from Sellmore shows on 130 pages why CRM projects fail and provides concrete solutions for successful digitalization in customer management.

Lack of strategy instead of lack of technology

«Officially, there is a CRM, but the sales department keeps its own tables in parallel. The »real' information is stored there, while the CRM is only filled sporadically - often only when management asks for it," explains Markus Grutzeck, Head of Marketing at Sellmore. The problem: without clear goals, well thought-out processes and consistent change management, any software investment will fall flat.

Practical knowledge for successful CRM implementation

The e-book covers all relevant aspects of successful CRM projects - from planning to ongoing operation. Strategic principles show how companies can use CRM as a growth driver rather than an IT project. A well-founded requirements analysis helps to avoid typical mistakes and find the right software. The topic of change management shows how acceptance can be created within the team and how resistance can be overcome.

Artificial intelligence is covered with specific application scenarios for process automation and data quality. Integration explains how CRM works together with existing systems such as ERP, e-commerce and marketing. International projects with cross-location CRM projects are also discussed.

Industry-neutral and directly implementable

The articles are written by 13 CRM practitioners with experience from over 600 projects in a wide range of industries and company sizes. Instead of theoretical concepts, readers receive concrete checklists, evaluation matrices and implementation plans - tried and tested in practice and ready for immediate use. The more than 100-page e-book is rounded off with comprehensive checklists for project preparation and implementation.

With over 40 employees, Sellmore is one of the leading vendor-neutral CRM consultancies in Germany. The portfolio includes process consulting, system integration and ongoing support - independent, holistic and practical.

The e-book is available to download free of charge: https://www.sellmore.de/crm-wissen/whitepaper.php?p=crm-praxis-2026

The Effie Awards Switzerland are returning in 2026 and will once again recognize outstanding communication solutions. The prestigious award is regarded by clients and agencies alike as a respected proof of achievement for effective marketing communication. Entries will be accepted from March 9.

Eligibility and criteria

All marketing measures implemented in Switzerland between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025 are eligible to participate. Work that has demonstrably achieved or exceeded its set goals can be submitted. The decisive factor is measurable results - not sender or budget size. Entries are open to agencies, companies and individuals. Entries can be submitted from March 9 at effie.ch possible.

New category structure

The Effie Awards place a strong focus on Effective Marketing, i.e. marketing with a demonstrable impact on business or organizational performance. To reflect this focus, entries are now divided into two overarching category groups: Industry Categories (marketing impact on business performance) and Specialty Categories (marketing impact in specific contexts). Further information can be found at effie.ch.

Co-Presidency for the first time

For the first time, two personalities are chairing the jury together: Lara Jelinski, Chief Growth Officer Central Europe & CEO Media Switzerland at Dentsu, and Daniel Fischer, Positioning & Planning Lead at Swiss Re. The co-chairmanship solution stands for a new, collaborative jury approach that combines professional diversity, strategic depth and a holistic view of the submissions.

Award show in November

On November 19, 2026, the Effie winners will be announced and celebrated on a big stage as part of the newly designed Effie Award Show.

The Effie Awards Switzerland have been presented in Switzerland every two years by Leading Swiss Agencies since 1985. They are regarded as the national Oscars of the industry and recognize the most effective and pioneering marketing communication.

The most important dates

March 9: Call for entries, May 22: Final deadline for submissions, July 2: Jury Round 1, September 3: Jury Round 2, November 19: Effie Award Night.

At its last meeting, the Suva Council Committee elected Alexander Kohler to succeed Hubert Niggli. Kohler will head the Department of Finance and Information Technology and serve as a member of Suva's Executive Board. The internal candidate prevailed in a public recruitment process.

With the appointment of Alexander Kohler, Suva is focusing on continuity. The financial expert already works for the company and has extensive knowledge of internal structures and processes. He will take up his new role on July 1, 2026.

The decision to appoint an internal candidate underlines Suva's confidence in its own managers. In his new role, Kohler will be responsible for both finance and IT at the company.

Source: Suva