Excellence – Versatility – Network

• Excellence, because the EHG instilled in me a high level of expectation, a constant quest for perfection that reflects Swiss know-how. Like a “Made in Switzerland” watch, every detail counts: service, rigor, precision, management and interpersonal skills. This pursuit of excellence is a true state of mind that still guides me today.
• Versatility, because the training prepared me to evolve in different sectors where hospitality, service and customer experience are essential. EHG teaches us to adapt quickly, to understand expectations and to always aim for the exceptional, whatever the field.
• Networking, because this school enabled me to forge invaluable links with professionals and alumni who still play a key role in my career today, whether in Switzerland or abroad. The network is a strength, an invaluable resource that must be cultivated and used intelligently.

I’d almost like to add a fourth word: “Familial”, because those four years at EHG, including the preparatory year, were among the most enriching of my life. The atmosphere at the school was so family-like that even the principal at the time, Mr. Alain Brunier (whom I would like to thank for his commitment to the school), called us by our first names within the first few weeks. I was lucky enough to be in an extraordinary class, where the spirit of mutual support and camaraderie pushed us to excel. Even today, we advise each other, sometimes with a simple phone call, and we even do business together. It’s an exceptional dynamic that continues long after graduation.

After graduating from the École Hôtelière de Genève, I began my career with OC Sport, where I had the opportunity to develop a mobile catering service for the Haute Route, a prestigious cycling road race across Europe. I then progressed to Logistics Coordinator, then Logistics Manager, overseeing the logistics of major sporting events such as marathons, triathlons and trails, both in Switzerland and internationally. This key role, involving numerous political and institutional relations, made the experience all the more enriching, and enabled me to make some wonderful encounters.

After five exciting years with OC Sport, I felt the need to return to the world of gastronomy. I joined the Manor AG group, which entrusted me with the development of a catering service for its customers. It was a stimulating challenge, but the arrival of Covid-19 turned the industry on its head. At a time when many employees were forced to stay at home, it was unthinkable for me to remain idle. So I decided to help out in the field by supporting the development of Click & Collect in stores.

When the restaurants reopened, I was promoted to Sales Manager for Manora Fresh To Go in Switzerland (small takeaways in railway stations), as well as for Manora restaurants in French-speaking Switzerland. (It’s worth noting that Manora has one of the biggest restaurant sales figures in Switzerland after McDonald’s, without even being open in the evening!) I held this position for almost three years, before being promoted to Supply Chain Manager for all fresh produce for Manora restaurants and Manor supermarkets in Switzerland. This experience gave me invaluable expertise in managing a strategic division within a major group.

However, the food service and retail sectors are in a phase of profound transformation, with increasingly complex challenges. I was witnessing an evolution where cost optimization and the reduction of in-store staff were taking center stage in order to improve the bottom line. While this strategy may have been justified from an economic point of view, I felt it was moving away from the very essence of customer service, which has always been at the heart of my values. This development no longer corresponded to my vision, and I felt the need to refocus on an area that deeply inspired me.

At the same time, my passion for real estate was growing. Influenced by my father, an architect, I’ve always been fascinated by this sector. Apart from my professional responsibilities, I spent my evenings and weekends managing property for private clients – whether buying, selling, managing or advising. What started out as a simple interest turned into a real vocation.

Finally, after a year as Supply Chain Director at Manor, I decided to follow my true calling by making a 200-degree turn and devoting myself fully to luxury real estate. Today, as Head of Customer Relations at Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty, my aim is to offer a unique, tailor-made experience to my customers, whether they are looking for an exceptional property or wish to sell their property in the best possible conditions, both in Switzerland and internationally.

In a way, this role is a natural extension of my career path and the values I developed at the École Hôtelière de Genève. Prestigious real estate, like the hotel business and high-end gastronomy, relies above all on the art of hospitality, service, support and attention to the smallest detail. Every day, I make it a point of honor to offer my customers exceptional support, true to the standards of luxury and service excellence that have always guided me.”

“At Cardis | Sotheby’s International Realty, we find this family atmosphere and this synergy, which are real assets for moving forward together and going even further.

As Executive Guest Relation at Cardis | Sotheby’s International Realty, my role is above all to accompany and advise a demanding clientele in the search, acquisition or sale of prestigious properties, both in Switzerland and abroad. In a way, I’m the concierge of luxury real estate.

My daily routine is punctuated by several key missions:

• Understanding the unique needs of each customer, whether an investment, a primary residence or a second property.
• Offer an ultra-personalized experience, by anticipating expectations and proposing customized solutions.
• Manage exceptional transactions, working with a network of experts (our in-house teams, lawyers, notaries, tax specialists…) to guarantee a smooth, secure experience.
• Develop and maintain a prestigious network, to access the best market opportunities, including off-market properties.
• Operate with discretion and confidentiality, meeting the demands of customers who expect exclusive, made-to-measure service.

The main challenge lies in the rarity and exclusivity of the properties sought, coupled with very high expectations in terms of service, confidentiality and responsiveness. It is therefore essential to be available, attentive and proactive, while maintaining a high level of standards and discretion.

What’s great about my role is that I work closely with all the departments: Resale, Investment, New Projects, Marketing, Administration, but also and above all with the whole team of brokers. At Cardis | Sotheby’s International Realty, we have this family atmosphere and this synergy, which are real assets for moving forward together and going even further. It’s no coincidence that Cardis Sotheby’s is growing by leaps and bounds, and is now the market leader in Switzerland!

For me, luxury is more than just real estate: it’s above all an experience and impeccable service for a prestigious clientele.

My approach is based on three fundamental pillars:

1. Active listening and in-depth understanding of expectations

• Each customer has a unique profile and needs. My role is not just to sell a property, but to propose a lifestyle perfectly suited to their aspirations.
• I take the time to discuss with them their criteria, preferences and lifestyle habits, so that I can offer them opportunities that are perfectly suited to their needs.

2. Anticipation, adaptation and exclusivity

• Thanks to my international Sotheby’s network, I have access to exceptional items that are often inaccessible to the general public.
• I take a proactive approach: even before a customer expresses a need, I strive to identify unique opportunities likely to interest them.
• Adaptation is essential: as each customer is unique, it’s essential to adjust my approach to their expectations, lifestyle and specific requirements.

3. Turnkey support

• Buying or selling a prestige property often involves complex legal, tax and administrative procedures.
• My role is to simplify this process by offering comprehensive support and working with experts to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.

But my support doesn’t stop with the transaction. Satisfying a customer for a single project is not enough: my aim is to establish a relationship of trust over the long term.

It’s a principle I learned when I started out in the hotel and restaurant business. During an internship at EHG, Mr. Oppenheim, former manager of the Grand Hôtel Suisse Majestic and the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, used to say to me:

“A customer who leaves your establishment is not acquired (even if he was satisfied with the service). If he comes back a second time, he confirms the quality of the service. But if he comes back regularly, then you’ve acquired not only a quality of service, but above all his loyalty and trust!”

It’s exactly the same in real estate. My ambition goes far beyond a simple transaction: I aim for a lasting relationship, based on trust and excellence.

The luxury goods market is constantly evolving, influenced by the economy, new trends, digitalization and changing customer expectations. Today, you need to be much more flexible, reactive and ready to take on new challenges. There are more obstacles to overcome before reaching the final goal, and my role is to propose an innovative, tailor-made approach to deliver an exceptional experience.

1. Innovation and digitalization

• The customer experience is no longer limited to physical visits. Today, we use the latest technologies to adapt to customer needs: immersive 3D tours, high-definition videos, ultra-targeted digital marketing and instant communication.
• Flexibility is essential. Some customers don’t have the ability to travel immediately, others have specific requirements that call for a more dynamic, digital approach. My role is to remove the barriers and offer them a seamless experience, wherever they are.

2. A global network and constant monitoring

• Being part of the Sotheby’s International Realty network means being connected to the world’s most prestigious real estate markets and having access to exclusive properties, often off-market.
• I’m always on the lookout, attending prestigious events, conferences and meetings with experts to anticipate market trends and adapt my approach accordingly.

3. An ultra-personalized, human approach

• Despite digitalization, the human element remains at the heart of my business. Every customer needs to feel listened to, understood and supported in a unique way.
• Luxury is also the art of detail. I make it a point of honor to personalize every interaction, anticipating expectations and building a long-term relationship of trust.

4. An exclusive offer: Sotheby’s Auction expertise

• Buying or selling a prestige property often goes far beyond real estate. Our customers own collections of exceptional objects: works of art, watches, jewelry, collector’s cars… Thanks to our collaboration with Sotheby’s Auction, we offer a unique service for managing, valuing and auctioning these valuable assets.
• This exclusive service is highly sought-after today, and enables us to meet the needs of our customers by offering a comprehensive service, integrating both real estate and the art of luxury living.

5. A vision aligned with economic dynamics

The luxury real estate market is directly influenced by major global economic trends. In Switzerland today, real estate is booming, both in terms of construction and the sale and purchase of property.

Several factors play in favor of buyers:

• The recent fall in interest rates in Switzerland offers exceptional opportunities for local buyers, enabling them to access more advantageous financing for the purchase of exceptional properties.
• Internationally, tax developments are having a major impact. For example, the reform of the taxation of “res non dom” (non-domiciled residents) in the UK makes Switzerland even more attractive to wealthy investors and expatriates seeking economic and fiscal stability.
• Other factors, such as economic uncertainties in Europe and rising interest rates in other markets, are prompting investors to diversify their assets and focus on solid, attractive markets such as Switzerland.

By understanding these dynamics and adjusting our approach accordingly, we ensure that we offer solutions tailored to the changing needs of our international and local customers. Personal and professional impact of your charitable involvement.

My role within the Dolce Vita Foundation is relatively recent and has been an honour for me. I was asked by Mr. sebastien IANDELLI, former Director of Gastronomy at Manor and currently President of the Foundation, to join the Board of Directors. It’s an immense privilege for me to join this Board and to have the chance to collaborate with such great personalities as the CEOs of major retail, pharmaceutical and medical groups. Together, we have a common goal: to enable the Foundation to pursue its exclusively charitable and philanthropic activities, and to support people in need, whether for reasons of physical, psychological or material health.

This role deeply enriches my professional life. On the one hand, it enables me to develop skills in managing large-scale projects and partnerships, but also to learn from my colleagues and be exposed to issues that help me to see business from a more human and supportive angle. This experience constantly reminds me that empathy, listening and collaboration are essential values, even in the world of luxury and business. It also enables me to maintain strong human values and never forget that we are fortunate to live in Switzerland, a country that offers us an exceptional quality of life.

My role as Vice-Chairman of the Club Nautique Morgien is first and foremost to support the club’s development through its sporting, associative and social ambitions. The CNM is one of the biggest sailing clubs in Switzerland, and its influence extends far beyond the Morgian region. My commitment to the club is based on my passion for sailing and my desire to make an active contribution to the sailing community.

As Vice-Chairman, I work with the entire committee and our President to ensure that the club continues to evolve, adapting to new sporting, environmental and social challenges. This involves improving infrastructures, developing and supporting young talent, developing partnerships and maintaining a friendly dynamic between members. Working with such a dynamic committee is very rewarding, but demands a lot of time, especially at weekends.

My dream for the CNM is twofold. On the one hand, I want us to remain a club where sailing is accessible to all, where young people can learn, train and progress in a demanding yet caring environment. On the other, my ambition is to make the CNM a springboard to the highest level of competition. We have incredible talent, and my aim is to accompany them to the top, until one day a sailor trained at the club brings home an Olympic gold medal or the famous America’s Cup silver ewer. That would be an extraordinary achievement, and I’m convinced we have the potential to make it happen.

On a personal level, I see myself playing a key role within the club in the future. For this to happen, it’s vital to build a solid vision and persevere in fulfilling this mission. Such a development would come naturally through commitment, experience and teamwork, while continuing to support the positive dynamic that is the club’s strength.

In short, my commitment to the CNM is guided by passion and the desire to build something great. Training young people in sailing, giving them the means to reach the highest level and making our club shine far beyond Switzerland – these are the things that motivate me on a daily basis. Of course, it’s always a pleasure, and I realize how lucky I am to be able to enjoy a setting like the Club Nautique Morgien, with its famous Baie des Dieux, an exceptional place both for sailing and for the inspiration it provides.

“I’m passionate about my profession and about life in general. I firmly believe that it’s through life’s failures and complexities that we grow, develop and learn.

I’m a very active person indeed, and I need daily challenges, new complex situations to manage, and sometimes even difficult times. But that’s a reality you have to accept. Before coming to the École Hôtelière de Genève, I wasn’t particularly academic, if at all (laughs), but sport was an essential part of my life. I was a top-level athlete and I thrived on it, which taught me discipline, rigor and how to deal with pressure. From the moment I arrived at EHG, there was a turning point. Today, I’m passionate about my job and life in general. I firmly believe that it’s through life’s failures and complexities that we grow, develop and learn. This is deeply rooted in me. It wasn’t always easy for my parents, but today I’m enormously grateful to them, because it’s also thanks to them.

However, I’ve come to realize that it’s essential to find a balance, especially with the multiplicity of my professional, philanthropic and personal responsibilities. Let’s be honest: I haven’t yet achieved the perfect balance. Perhaps as the family grows, it will become easier to manage (laughs).

My balance is above all in my family. My wife and close-knit family are the foundation on which everything rests. Thanks to them, I’m able to keep a steady course, even when everything around me seems to be going a hundred miles an hour. Their support is invaluable, and I always take the time to enjoy these precious moments with them, even in the midst of professional turmoil.

Sailing and skiing are my two great sporting passions. Whether on the water or in the mountains, I always find myself in nature, where I draw both tranquillity and inspiration. But beyond this balance, these sports also provide me with the adrenalin I crave. The challenge, the speed, the mastery of the elements… It’s a state of mind that suits me and always pushes me to go further, both in sport and in life.

In short, although I’m driven by the need to be constantly active and pursue my projects with passion, I realize that knowing how to step back and refocus is essential. The balance lies in managing my professional commitments and my quiet moments with my family and in nature. But I’m not going to lie to you: it’s a dynamic that’s not always easy to apply. I think it will come with time. What’s certain is that today, you have to be active, because tomorrow is never guaranteed.

I see the evolution of my career above all in the continuity of what I do today. I’ve always been a person faithful to my commitments, and I deeply enjoy devoting all my energy to the company in which I find myself. This approach has enriched me both professionally and personally. Today, I’m fully fulfilled in real estate and customer management, and I’m convinced that it’s in this direction that I’ll continue to evolve.

That said, I’m aware that the world is changing fast and that new opportunities may arise. For the time being, I prefer to concentrate fully on my current missions at Cardis | Sotheby’s International Realty, whom I thank for the trust and opportunity of this new key position for the future. My aim is to remain fully committed to my responsibilities and to continue to excel in my field. If there are any future developments within Cardis | Sotheby’s International Realty, I’ll be open to them, but I prefer to take things one step at a time. I’ve always been told, “Never skip a step!” And I agree with that advice 200%.

I think it’s important to point out that, today, many young professionals are looking to change companies on a regular basis, to opt for 80% jobs, or to work remotely. I don’t share this view. For me, real value lies in the depth of the commitment and relationships we build over the long term. It’s by remaining active, invested and loyal to your projects and teams that you can truly develop and reap the rewards of your efforts.

I’m convinced that the younger generation would do well to revisit this approach and understand that success is based on investment, hard work and staying true to one’s commitments to one’s company. That’s how you build a solid career and a lasting reputation.

The first piece of advice I’d give young graduates is to congratulate themselves on completing this excellent training. The EHG provides a solid foundation, but the real key to success lies in your ability to apply it and go beyond what you’ve learned. Never rest on your laurels: always strive to excel, to learn and to get out of your comfort zone. Real professional life begins once you’ve earned your diploma!

Work is essential, and you have to give it your all. Get involved in projects, develop your network, get involved in community activities, take up sport, and above all, always strive to surpass yourself. Follow your dreams and ambitions, don’t wait, go for it! But don’t forget balance. Your career is important, but your health and personal life are even more so. Take time for yourself, your family and your loved ones, because they’re the ones who will keep you on course, especially in difficult times.

My father always told me: “There are no miracles. If you want a roof over your head, a family and the good life, you have to work.” And that’s a truth I’ve always kept in mind. Nothing falls from the sky: you have to fight, be patient and persevere.

Finally, I’d say to recent graduates and friends: use your skills, your network and everything you’ve acquired to get ahead. Be curious, be daring and, above all, never put limits on yourself! The network between you is a strength, so nurture it, share, exchange and keep in touch!

I’ll end with a quote from a great rapper that I love and that we should all remember every morning when we get up:

“I wanna thank me for believing in me. I wanna thank me for doing all this hard work. I wanna thank me for having no days off. I wanna thank me for never quitting.” – Snoop Dogg

Because in the end, no one will make the effort for you. So believe in yourself and go for it!

Life is beautiful!