Isabelle Welton becomes new Chairman of the Board of Directors of NZZ
After ten years as Chairman of the Board of Directors of NZZ, Etienne Jornod will step down in April 2023. The Board of Directors has appointed Isabelle Welton, who has been a member of the Board since 2013, as his successor.
"Our Articles of Association stipulate an age limit of 70 years for the Board of Directors mandate, which is why it was clear at an early stage that this change would take place at the next Annual General Meeting. This gave us the time to carefully prepare the succession," says Etienne Jornod. Accordingly, he will step down as a member and Chairman of the NZZ Board of Directors on April 15, 2023. The Board of Directors has unanimously voted in favor of Isabelle Welton as the new Chairman.
"Proven leader."
Isabelle Welton has been a member of the Board of Directors of NZZ for ten years and is a proven leader with broad entrepreneurial experience. Before becoming an independent strategy consultant, she worked for Zurich Insurance Group as a member of the Group Executive Board and in other management positions. Prior to that, she led IBM Switzerland as country head. "Isabelle Welton has extensive experience in leading companies in a transformation phase and, in particular, a deep understanding of the cultural dimensions of a company like NZZ, which is characterized by editorial independence and strong personalities," Etienne Jornod said of the choice. The entire Board of Directors is convinced that Isabelle Welton brings the necessary skills to successfully develop the NZZ strategically.
"Looking forward to this important task"
"I am looking forward to this important and challenging task," says the designated Chairman of the Board of Directors. "On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I would like to thank Etienne Jornod for his outstanding work. Over the past ten years, he has led the Board with great commitment, strategic vision and prudence, and has aligned the company with a long-term entrepreneurial perspective for the future. In recent years, we have initiated a decisive transformation and launched important innovations with the aim of opening up new markets and target groups," said Isabelle Welton. "I will continue to drive this strategy and its consistent implementation with full conviction. In doing so, I can count on a well-coordinated team on the Board of Directors and on excellent management."
