"There are no differences within the company".

"It is the right time for Clear Channel and therefore also for me to hand over the reins," said CEO Rötheli in a statement. "Clear Channel now offers a real alternative to the existing outdoor advertising providers in Switzerland, and we are proud of this work".

Clear Channel must continue to grow in Switzerland in the coming years with new operational management. Rötheli will relinquish his management duties by the end of this month, but will remain with the company as a consultant. Until a successor is found for the resigning CEO Jürg Rötheli, Stefan Lameire, Chief Customer and Revenue Officer, will take over the interim management of Clear Channel Switzerland in addition to his existing functions. He will report to Matthew Dearden, President of Clear Channel Europe.

In just six years, former Swisscom Group Executive Board member Rötheli has succeeded in transforming the Swiss market for outdoor advertising from a quasi-monopoly into a market with alternatives, writes Clear Channel. This success has put Clear Channel Switzerland in a good position for the future. For example, cities such as Zurich, Zurich Airport and various modern shopping centers in Switzerland rely on Clear Channel's innovations. Clear Channel Europe boss Dearden on the Swiss market: "We see great potential for further growth in the out-of-home market in Switzerland. I am extremely pleased that we have been able to recruit Stefan Lameire as interim CEO. With his knowledge of the European advertising market and his leadership qualities as General Manager in Belgium, I am confident that the great efforts of Clear Channel under the leadership of Jürg Rötheli will continue to pay off".

In 2014, Rötheli was appointed Vice President Central Europe and member of the Executive Board of Clear Channel International by Clear Channel headquarters in London, in addition to his role as CEO Switzerland. In this role, he also manages the subsidiaries in Hungary, Belgium and the Netherlands and is responsible for the Europe-wide airport business. The 52-year-old will relinquish his functions at Clear Channel in Switzerland and Europe, but will remain with the company for specific advisory functions. The lawyer and CEO does not yet wish to comment on future tasks. He sees his future options once again in a management role with an international focus.

Werbewoche: Jürg Rötheli, Clear Channel also relied on you internationally - and presumably planned with you. Is it really, as communicated, "the right time" to leave the company?
Jürg Rötheli: Yes, it's the right time for me and also for Clear Channel. We have had a very successful six years. The company has developed well and, together with my team, I was able to create the conditions for sustainable success. Clear Channel is now very well positioned and is well established in the market. The time is therefore right for a change at the top. My successor can build on a solid foundation right from the start. That also gives me a good feeling.

Were there any differences or disagreements within the company?
No, there are no differences. Neither in terms of strategic direction nor in other matters, such as management issues. On the contrary, we agree that Clear Channel in Switzerland continues to have excellent potential for further growth. Over the past six years, we have undoubtedly become a serious competitor in the out-of-home market. New forces can now build on these positive developments. I am very confident that this will succeed.

Had the departure been planned for some time?
As you can imagine, a decision like this is not made overnight. It is usually a lengthy process and a decision that needs to be carefully considered. It involves various analyses, strategic considerations for the company and, of course, personal preferences. I discussed a lot with the management of the Group and then made my decision. My bosses deserve credit for not opposing my plans and being open to working with me to find a solution for Clear Channel in Switzerland.

Looking back over the last six years, what has been your greatest personal success at Clear Channel?
Probably my greatest personal success is also Clear Channel's greatest success in Switzerland: together with my team, I have managed to transform the Swiss market for outdoor advertising from a quasi-monopoly into a market with alternatives in just six years. This success is extraordinary and has not only put Clear Channel in a good position. Today, both our customers and the public sector benefit from Clear Channel's expanded range, quality and innovative strength.

Is there anything that you would have preferred to hand over to your successor differently or that did not develop as desired or planned?
As CEO, you are never completely satisfied and want to constantly improve and develop yourself and the company. My successor, Stefan Lamerie, who is taking over the role of CEO on an interim basis, will be joining a company where the conditions for further success are very good. He will be able to work with an outstanding team here in Switzerland. He will also find a market in which Clear Channel is a household name. I very much hope that he feels at home here and can continue to write the success story.

Interview: Thomas Häusermann