Swiss Brand Congress honors outstanding brand work
The Swiss Brand Congress recognized outstanding achievements in business and academia. Marc Gläser, CEO and driving force behind Stöckli Ski, was honored for his exceptional brand leadership. Prof. Dr. Johanna Gollnhofer of the University of St. Gallen (HSG) received the award for her groundbreaking research on consumer culture.
How does a brand become successful in top international sport and at the same time deeply rooted in Switzerland? And what does the chaos in our homes reveal about us as consumers? The annual brand awards of the "Swiss Academy of Marketing Science" were presented at the Swiss Brand Congress.
The "Marketing Thought Leader Award 2025" received Marc Gläser, CEO of Stöckli Swiss Sports AG. Under the leadership of Marc Gläser, Stöckli has developed from a regional brand with a very broad product range into an internationally recognized specialist for premium skis. The company from Malters in central Switzerland stands for quality, craftsmanship and sporting success. "Anyone who stands on a Stöckli ski is not only skiing on a piece of Swiss engineering, but also on a clear brand promise," said Marc Gläser, CEO at the award ceremony.
In recent years, Gläser has led the brand through three key phases: from restructuring and consistent transformation to a clear strategy of excellence. Today, Stöckli focuses exclusively on the ski sector and pursues the goal of becoming "the best ski sports brand in the world". Innovations in product and customer service - such as customized skis or close integration of direct sales and specialist retailers - are just as central as the consistent development of a sporty corporate culture. The jury was particularly impressed by the clear positioning and the close collaboration with athletes such as Marco Odermatt, a prominent figurehead of the brand.
With the "Rigor & Relevance Research Award 2025" was awarded to Prof. Dr. Johanna Gollnhofer from the University of St. Gallen. Her current study shows how people deal with material abundance and what possessions mean for identity and order. Among other things, the consumer researcher analyzes the psychological and social mechanisms behind full cupboards, unused appliances and overflowing shelves. Her work thus provides valuable insights for companies that want to understand and shape the consumer behavior of tomorrow.
The Swiss Brand Congress is regarded as the leading platform for brand management in the German-speaking world. Every year, around 650 decision-makers from business, science and agencies meet at the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich to discuss current developments, trends and best practices in brand management. In addition to top-class presentations and panels, the awards ceremony is a highlight of the event. More information at: https://www.marken-kongress.ch/
