Memories of Heike Findeis

When I received the news of Heike Findeis' death last week, I was at a loss for words. 

I still miss them today and I still can't understand that Heike is no longer here. The whole thing came as a complete surprise to me, because I knew nothing about her illness. She had to leave us far too soon. 

I got to know Heike about twelve years ago when she was setting up Springer Business Media Switzerland. I was editor-in-chief of the Media Trend Journal at the time. I liked Heike from the very first moment. Her fresh, unaffected manner quickly brought a breath of fresh air to the very dusty company. We got on well and one of my special tasks in my job was to introduce Heike to the Swiss media scene. I really enjoyed doing that. After a short time, there were changes at the publishing house and Heike asked me if I would like to take over as editor-in-chief of Werbewoche. I wasn't enthusiastic at first and turned her down. Together we looked for an editor-in-chief. We interviewed a lot of people, some of whom were shortlisted. When we were at an industry event together, I asked her who she had decided on. She beamed at me and said that none of the candidates would suit her. I was less than thrilled by this statement, as I feared that the whole interview process would start all over again. When she noticed the scowl on my face, she laughed and just said, "Don't worry, I have a candidate - you." And so it was that - after thinking it over again - I accepted the next morning. 

Why am I telling you all this? This little story says a lot about Heike Findeis. Charming but determined, she pursued her plans. A wonderful time began. She appreciated my journalistic experience, I appreciated her management skills. When she had to leave the company under undignified circumstances, we stayed in touch. We didn't see each other often, but two or three times a year was enough. But we often spoke on the phone, and countless text messages - her preferred communication channel - went back and forth. The last time we exchanged text messages was in November 2013. Today I blame myself for not taking the time to write to her during the Christmas and end-of-year rush. It's too late for that now. She lives on in my memory as the headstrong, successful and charming woman she was. I am very sad that she is no longer with us. I wish her parents much strength during this difficult time. 

Pierre C. Meier, Editor-in-Chief