Roland Thomann leaves Swiss Solidarity after only one and a half years
The Director of Swiss Solidarity, Roland Thomann, is leaving the foundation with immediate effect after just one and a half years in office. The reason for this was a difference of "opinion on the implementation of the strategy".
The decision was made on Friday "in consultation with the Foundation Board", Swiss Solidarity announced. Thomann's previous deputy, Catherine Baud-Lavigne, will temporarily lead the management. The position will be advertised in the coming weeks.
Thomann was only elected Director of the fundraising organization in January 2020. At the time, he succeeded Tony Burgener, who retired after eight years at the helm. Previously, Thomann was Head of Digital at Spinas Civil Voices, a communications agency specializing in campaigns and fundraising for non-governmental organizations and aid organizations.
Under Thomann's leadership, Swiss Solidarity carried out a "historic fundraising campaign" for the victims of the pandemic in Switzerland, it said. He also initiated the process of developing a new digitalization strategy.
Swiss Solidarity is an independent foundation set up by SRG and co-finances projects abroad with the donations entrusted to it by its 26 Swiss partner relief organizations. In Switzerland, it supports projects for people in need, for example after severe storms or during the pandemic. (SDA)
