Page 5 - Maerki Baumann & Co. AG | Journal

Entrepreneurship
“We understand entrepreneurs”
Hans G. Syz-Witmer on successful entrepreneurship, his wide-ranging mandates and preparing his succession.
Mr Syz, Maerki Baumann is expanding its Entrepreneur Banking department. What is the strategic thinking behind this move? We are responding to our clients’ need for compre- hensive advice and support – not only as private individuals, but also as entrepreneurs. The Entrepreneur Banking depart- ment enables us to expand our offering in a targeted manner. We are entrepreneurs - and we understand entrepreneurs.
You know many entrepre- neurs personally. What makes a successful entrepre- neur? They offer compelling products and services and keep their finances under control. In terms of character, they are open, forward-looking and willing to keep developing. Making mistakes is also part
of the process: what matters is learning from them. For me personally, my gut instinct always plays a big role when making decisions.
You are involved in various in- dustries. Do they all require the same entrepreneurial skills? At their core, yes. Even if the working model is different – in film, for example, where it
is more project-based – at the end of the day it is all about de- livering a strong performance,
enthusing your customers and being in the black financially. I am especially keen to promote talent in all areas.
What does this mean exactly?
I like to work together with young people and give them room to grow. Just because
I am older does not mean I know everything better. The future only happens if we give the next generation oppor- tunities. One example is the appointment of Sascha Näf as Head Entrepreneur Banking.
How do you keep track of everything given the amount of mandates you hold? It really is a broad portfolio. What is important to note, however, isthatIdonottakeonany operational tasks, but rather am active on various boards
of directors. Here, I actively help to shape the development of the companies without being involved in day-to-day business.
Where do you see Maerki Baumann in ten years? We will continue to offer banking services as a family company with a great deal of dedication. However, we will probably do so on a very different techno- logical basis. Together with our Tech Advisory Board, we
are working intensively on new technologies. If you are not prepared to embrace progress, then the time has come for you to pass on the baton.
Succession planning is a key task of any entrepreneur. What is the status at your end? The next generation – made up of my sister Carole Schmied-Syz’s children and my own – have expressed an interest in taking up a role on the bank’s Board of Directors. They also have inherited the entrepreneurial gene. We are in the fortunate position that we can approach this genera- tional transition in a calm and well-prepared manner. The management ensures conti- nuity at an operational level. In other words, things will continue.
And for you personally? When the younger generation steps in, you will have to let go. That is not a problem for me in the slightest.
Hans G. Syz-Witmer
Chairman of the Board
of Directors of
Maerki Baumann & Co. AG,
owner of Condor Films Ltd, Vice-Chairman of the Board
of Directors of Tonhalle- Gesellschaft and Schulthess Klinik
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