NZZ Experience: Corine Blesi Takes on New Executive Role
The NZZ is restructuring its commercial operations: Corine Blesi will head the new NZZ Experience division starting October 1, 2026, and will join the executive board.
The Neue Zürcher Zeitung is restructuring its commercial operations. At the center of the reorganization is NZZ Experience’s Corine Blesi: The former managing director of NZZ Connect will take over as head of the newly created NZZ Experience division effective October 1, 2026, and will simultaneously join the executive board.
Two independent business segments
Going forward, the user market will be managed independently as a subscription business, while the advertising market, events, partnerships, and other commercial offerings will be consolidated under the NZZ Experience division. Both divisions are represented directly on the Executive Board. According to the NZZ, the new structure allows the company to address the different requirements and growth opportunities in both business areas. In the user market, the focus is on further developing the subscription business in Switzerland and Germany. Through NZZ Experience, the NZZ aims to better leverage the potential of its brand and platforms for advertisers, partners, and communities.
Many years of experience in the conference industry
Corine Blesi has been responsible for the NZZ’s conference business and the Swiss Economic Forum (SEF) since August 2019. Since 2021, these activities have been consolidated under NZZ Connect, which now includes economic conferences, community events, and various business awards. Blesi has been a member of the extended executive board since March 2021. In her new role, she is responsible not only for NZZ Connect and the NZZ Academy but also for NZZ Live, audienzz, NZZone, strategic partnerships, and additional commercial ventures.
Felix Graf, CEO of the NZZ, comments on the reorganization: «With this new structure, we are establishing a clear focus for both divisions and creating the conditions to better leverage their respective potential. Corine Blesi knows the NZZ and our business very well and brings a wealth of experience in building and developing commercial offerings. I am very pleased that she will be responsible for the NZZ Experience division on the Executive Board going forward.»
Search for New Leadership for the Consumer Market
The NZZ is conducting an internal and external selection process to fill the leadership position for the user market. The company is seeking an experienced leader with a proven track record in the subscription business. Until a new head is appointed, the division will continue to be led on an interim basis by Roman Bretschger, Secretary General and Deputy CEO.
