Pierre Derivaz to Become the New Executive Director of Angestellte Schweiz
After 18 years at the helm of Angestellte Schweiz, Stefan Studer will retire in the fall of 2026. His succession has been arranged: Pierre Derivaz will take over as executive director effective August 1, 2026. The 37-year-old attorney has been with the association since 2017.
Employees Switzerland is carrying out a carefully planned leadership transition: Pierre Derivaz will take over as CEO of the association effective August 1, 2026. Stefan Studer, who has led the organization for 18 years, will retire as scheduled at the end of October 2026.
Continuity and a New Beginning
Pierre Derivaz is no stranger to the association—he has been with Angestellte Schweiz since 2017. The 37-year-old lawyer from Valais studied international relations and law in Geneva, Vienna, and Basel and was admitted to the bar in the canton of Bern. His expertise extends far beyond legal counsel: Derivaz is in regular contact with the business community and has repeatedly spoken out on topics such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, and mental health in the workplace—always with a focus on the employees’ perspective.
Association President Alexander Bélaz is confident in the choice: «We received an exceptionally large number of strong applications. Pierre Derivaz stood out thanks to his expertise and strategic acumen. He knows our association well and brings the necessary foresight to tackle the challenges of tomorrow—artificial intelligence, geopolitical tensions, and our role as a reliable social partner.»
Derivaz himself clearly articulates his vision: «I look forward to starting my new role on August 1. Especially in times of change, employees need an organization that helps them move forward in the working world of tomorrow. That has always been the strength of Angestellte Schweiz, and that’s exactly where I want to focus my efforts in moving the organization forward: staying close to our members, thinking ahead, and offering solutions that truly make a difference.»
Thanks to Stefan Studer: 18 Years of Foresight
As Derivaz takes office, the Executive Board bids a fond farewell to Stefan Studer with deep gratitude. Under his leadership, Angestellte Schweiz has evolved from a traditional employee organization into a modern, agile, and reliable center of excellence. Studer recognized early on which issues would shape the working world of tomorrow and embedded artificial intelligence, flexible work arrangements, and sustainability into the association’s strategy, services, processes, and culture.
Alexander Bélaz pays tribute to the outgoing executive director’s dedication: «An association doesn’t develop on its own—it needs people with vision, courage, and perseverance. Stefan Studer has impressively embodied these qualities for many years. With great dedication and a keen sense of the challenges facing the world of work, he has left a lasting mark on Angestellte Schweiz and steered it toward a forward-looking future. For this, he deserves my sincere thanks. I wish him all the best from the bottom of my heart as he embarks on this new chapter in his life.»
For over 100 years, Angestellte Schweiz has represented the interests of middle-class workers in politics and in the workplace. The association advocates for good working conditions, fair wages, and job security, and offers its members continuing education, counseling, and services to support their personal advancement.
Source: www.angestellte.ch
