Sergio Ermotti and Walter Frey new members of the Swiss Business Hall of Fame
The business magazine BILANZ has inducted UBS CEO Sergio Ermotti and Walter Frey, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Emil Frey AG, into the Swiss Business «Hall of Fame.» With this annual award, the magazine honors individuals who have distinguished themselves through exceptional achievements, sustained success, and influential leadership. The award ceremony took place on Wednesday evening in the festive setting of the Petit Palais at the Hotel Baur au Lac in Zurich.
Former Federal Councillor Kaspar Villiger held the laudatory speech for Sergio Ermotti. He praised Ermotti as a leader who had "convincingly led the complex integration of Credit Suisse into UBS". Villiger particularly emphasized Ermotti's leadership, which was based on trust, a sense of responsibility and a consistently practiced corporate culture, and highlighted his clear, ethical and reliable manner.
Federal Councillor Albert Rösti paid tribute to entrepreneur Walter Frey, who "revolutionized car imports in Switzerland" with his Emil Frey Group. Despite the size of the company with around 26,000 employees, it had remained a discreet family business. He described Frey as the "ideal embodiment of Swiss entrepreneurship and the militia principle: cosmopolitan and at the same time close to home".
In his acceptance speech, Walter Frey emphasized the strength of Switzerland as a business location: "Switzerland has a solid foundation." This is partly due to luck - but above all to the hard work of the people who have created a stable foundation for us. He was particularly optimistic about the next generation: "When I see our apprentices and what they achieve, I am convinced that Switzerland has a bright future."
Sergio Ermotti spoke about his personal drive. "For me, a glass is not half full - it's always full." With regard to speculation about a possible move to the chairmanship of the Board of Directors, he emphasized that his mission at UBS had not yet been fulfilled. "I'll finish my job first - only then will I think about a move."
Top-class jury
The award is decided by a jury of prominent representatives from Swiss business and politics, including former Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard, Patrick Odier (Lombard Odier), Martin Naville, Bjørn Johansson, Barbara Rigassi-Schneeberger and Dirk Schütz (BILANZ). The companies' long-term performance, internal and external leadership, sustainable business practices and credibility in public appearances are assessed.
Around 100 leading personalities took part in the third Award Night. Previous winners include WEF founder Klaus Schwab, ABB Chairman of the Board of Directors Peter Voser, former Nestle Chairman of the Board Paul Bulcke and entrepreneur Peter Spuhler.
