Events followed in quick succession: A week ago he signed the contract and last Tuesday, 19 March, he was publically introduced: Flurin Riedi is the new CEO of GST. The 37-year-old will be in post by the start of July at the latest. His predecessor, Sébastien Epiney, is leaving the organisation at the end of March.

Epiney’s successor, Flurin Riedi, grew up in Schattdorf in the canton of Uri. He contributed to the Andermatt holiday region, making an impact on the development of tourism through various roles, the most recent being tourism director there for four years. As a qualified tourism expert and SME manager, he’s currently acting as guest manager at the bike company Thömus and is responsible for the planning, construction and operation of the future Swiss Bike Park. He’s married with one daughter and lives in Thun. The former elite mountain biker is looking forward to his new role: "I’m aware that this will be a challenging but very exciting task in one of the most well-known destinations."

Further changes

Deputy director Andreas Zoppas is also leaving GST, but will remain loyal to the region. His position has yet to be filled. These two departures have led the GST board to think again about structures. The operational management team now has two rather than three levels to ensure lean and agile operations. Until the new CEO starts, vice director Andrea Riggenbach is taking over the operational leadership ad interim.

Developing the destination

The mountain gondola issue has tied up a lot of resources in recent years, according to David Matti. Now, there’s an opportunity to refocus. "We want to dedicate our time to further developing the infrastructure and taking on new projects." These include making artificial snow for the cross-country ski trails, co-ordinating the Rellerli, various digital projects, the two theme trails "Kids and Family" and building more playgrounds.

“David Matti is a key figure”

The meeting re-elected Philipp Reber, Simon Graa and Urs Zumbrunnen to the audit committee for a further three years. Pascal Bangeter from Lauenen replaces Ruth Oehrli. There were also elections to the GST board: Matthias Oehrli and David Matti were re-elected for another three years. Vice-president Carlo Bommes gave the president a pat on the back for making this selection: "He’s a key figure, especially when it comes to relations between the GST and Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad."

Moving forward together

Sébastien Epiney emphasised the comments made by Bommes. "GST, Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad and the marketing company now have a firm basis for the future." The exchange between managers, presidents and other marketing partners is really helping to move these organisations forwards.

Based on AvS/Blanca Burri
Translated by Justine Hewson