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Switzerland’s Best Managed Companies

Dynamic times call for strong leadership

Now in its third year, the programme shines a spotlight on Switzerland’s most outstanding private businesses and the exceptional performance that drives them.

Who can apply?

To enter the programme, the companies must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Privately held
  • Turnover in excess of CHF 100mio. (not applicable for companies in the health care industry such as biotech, life science, medtech, dentaltech, and suppliers etc.)
  • HQ or major decision centre in Switzerland (operations can be abroad)
    Compliant from legal, tax and ethical perspective
  • Have a (financial) track record of at least three years

Could be:

  • Privately owned Swiss company
  • Swiss portfolio company controlled by private equity firms independent of latter’s domicile

The following organisations are ineligible:

Credit institutions, banks, insurance companies with equity shares traded at a regulated stock exchange at the time of initial acceptance to the programme, Swiss subsidiaries of foreign multinationals, government-owned entities/public sector agencies, charities and not-for-profit organisations and their affiliates and subsidiaries

In doubt, please contact us to support you along the process.

   

What it's like to become one of Switzerland's Best Managed Companies

How the Best Managed Companies programme works

A three step process to uncover achievements and improvement potentialsThe Best Managed Companies programme aims to find the best managed, privately owned companies in Switzerland. The programme evaluates your company’s management capabilities and practices and recognises overall business performance and growth. This is how the programme works.

This first phase verifies eligibility and should only take 30 minutes with the information at hand. Applications for the Best Managed Companies programme 2024 are now open.

Start your application today

Companies selected to move to Phase II are asked to complete a second, more detailed submission. You will be asked to describe how you develop strategy, demonstrate corporate strengths, excel in the marketplace, retain top talent and manage business risks. Questions align with the Best Managed programme’s four distinct pillars of evaluation: strategy, capabilities, commitment and financial.

During phase II, Deloitte will work with you on your approach to completing your submission, providing you with valuable coaching from some of Switzerland’s top business advisors. Even if your company is not among the ones, meeting the challenging benchmark, this is a great opportunity to gain insight and business expertise during the coaching process. Deadline for submission of Phase II is 30 April 2024.

An independent jury will score the different companies based on the global Best Managed Companies framework criteria. They will be notified of their success in the course of May 2024. All companies recognized will be invited to celebrate their company’s success at the Best Managed Companies Gala event on 27 June 2024.

And even when the festivities are over, you will remain part of our global Best Managed Companies community of around 1,000 Best Managed Companies. You are encouraged to participate in national and global meetings on a diverse range of topics.

Throughout the process all submissions are confidential, and the programme is compliant with Deloitte’s privacy and confidentiality policies.

What’s so great about being one of the best?

Key benefits

 

There are obvious benefits to winning any award, but Switzerland’s Best Managed Companies programme offers some unique opportunities.

Valuable insights

Coaching from Deloitte and Julius Baer professionals

Benchmarking

Shine a light on current practices and areas for improvement with detailed feedback report

Foundations for future success

Detailed self-analysis of your business focused on strategic and operational issues

Frequently Asked Questions

The Best Managed Companies programme is designed to recognize the overall success of strong private companies. Eligible private companies apply online and are evaluated based on four key performance indicators: strategy, capabilities, commitment and financial. An independent panel of judges will select the Best Managed Companies to be recognized.

  • It focuses on Swiss privately owned and managed companies
  • Recognizes overall business performance and sustained growth
  • Recognizes the entire organization
  • Measures more than financial performance
  • Gives insights into best practices, which are shared during the coaching process

To be considered a Best Managed Company, you have to meet our criteria and go through the three-phase application process. Please find the detailed roadmap here.

The criteria we use for the programme are lined out here.

The programme generally kicks off annually in the late summer. Applications will be accepted at that time and the process will generally flow as follows (dates may shift slightly year on year):

  • Applications for the Best Managed Companies programme 2024 will open on 2 October 2023
  • Deadline for submission of Phase II is 30 April 2024
  • They will be notified of their success in the course of May 2024
  • Best Managed Companies Gala event on 27 June 2024

An external panel of third parties selects the companies to be recognized as best managed; Deloitte does not participate in the selection process. The programme does not have a specified number of winners each year.

Yes. Applicants recognized as Best Managed Companies have the opportunity to requalify after their initial recognition, subject to annual and operational and financial review. Requalifying companies retain all of the benefits of being a recognized Best Managed Company and have the opportunity to work towards the prestigious Gold status (4 years as a Best Managed) & Platinum status (7 years as a Best Managed), leading to more media coverage and encouraging continued commitment from staff and stakeholders.

The judging panel will examine companies under the four pillars of strategy, capabilities, commitment and financial.

No, all we ask for is a little of your time.

No. The confidentiality of your financial information is vital to the integrity and continued success of the programme. Only your coaches that work directly with you and the judging panel will have access.

All submissions are confidential and the programme is compliant with Deloitte's strict privacy and confidentiality policies.

The Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies is currently active in more than 48 countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. The programme commenced in Canada 30 years ago and the most recent launches include the US and China, as well as several countries in Europe, including Germany, Austria, Italy and France.

Code of Conduct

The Switzerland’s Best Managed Companies programme aims to inspire, celebrate and build a community of private businesses that are creating a better future. A leading business awards programme, recognising excellence in private Swiss-owned companies, it celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit, determination and innovation of the private business community.

The following four commitments illustrate the programme’s core expectations of winning companies:

As a Best Managed company, we will act lawfully, honestly, ethically and with integrity towards our customers, employees, vendors and stakeholders.
Best Managed companies are truthful and honest about the business information provided to the Best Managed programme:

  • Best Managed companies must abide by Swiss law
  • Best Managed candidates will not exert undue influence upon programme coaches, sponsors, or judges
  • Best Managed companies must update any change in business affecting their designation (ownership, financial, legal) when re-qualifying year over year

Treat interactions with programme sponsors, partners and their staff with the same honesty and integrity that you would apply within your own organisation.

All Best Managed companies have a role to play in helping Switzerland on the path to a more inclusive environment. As a member of this community, we foster a culture and working environment where people treat each other with respect, courtesy and fairness, promoting equal opportunity for all.

  • Actively build an anti-racist capability to start making intentional changes within your organisation
  • Embed gender and diversity-smart approaches into recruitment & development, including performance management, promotion, succession and pay processes
  • Create and support cultural awareness programmes and learnings for all employees
  • Implement employee assistance programmes related to diversity, equity inclusion and accessibility so employees can feel comfortable and bring their whole selves to work
  • Provide DE&I training for all members of the organisation
  • Provide flexible and accessible work arrangements and remote work opportunities where applicable

As a Best Managed company, we commit to upholding quality among the four pillars (Strategy, Capabilities and Innovation, Culture and Commitment, Governance and Financials), and the programme brand standards and identity.

Upholding brand standards

  • The Best Managed designation represents 29 years of strong global best managed companies that are the economic engines of their countries. The brand is a result of the outstanding companies in the programme and is recognised all around the world. As a Best Managed company, we agree to uphold this brand legacy and follow brand and logo guidelines, for the Swiss community of Best Managed companies
  • Uphold programme brand standards consistent with the four pillars (Strategy, Capabilities & Innovation, Culture & Commitment, Governance & Financials)
  • Proper use of current logo by awarded entity (see ‘Logo use with affiliated companies’).
  • Proper use of designation naming convention – “Switzerland’s Best Managed Companies”
  • Logo use permitted for duration of programme year. Must be removed immediately should the company chose not to re-apply, or become ineligible

Commitment to upholding the standard of the Best Managed programme designation through the four pillars

  • Continuously evolve and improve upon your strategy
  • Drive a culture of innovation and productivity
  • Foster a purpose-led culture
  • Put your customers and employees first
  • Drive year over year revenue growth through strong strategy, governance and operational efficiency

We commit to participate in the Best Managed community through programme activities & events, while treating all members with dignity and respect. We also commit to be a respectable citizen within society and doing our part to build a positive future for Switzerland’s economy.

  • Participate in Best Managed programming and events
  • Act as a mentor to new members of the Best Managed community
  • Engage in social media conversation with Best Managed community (#BestManaged)
  • Act as a Best Managed brand ambassador, abiding by the terms under ‘Upholding brand standards’
  • Contribute to Best Managed objective of ‘making all businesses better’ by participating in research (i.e., surveys, case studies), panels and speaking opportunities

Meet the Best Managed Companies 2024

Recognising Swiss business excellence

     

  

Julius Baer is the leading Swiss wealth management group and a premium brand in this global sector, with a focus on servicing and advising sophisticated private clients. In all we do, we are inspired by our purpose: creating value beyond wealth. At the end of June 2021, assets under management amounted to CHF 486 billion. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd., the renowned Swiss private bank with origins dating back to 1890, is the principal operating company of Julius Baer Group Ltd., whose shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol: BAER) and are included in the Swiss Leader Index (SLI), comprising the 30 largest and most liquid Swiss stocks.

SIX Swiss Exchange is a leading European exchange, offering Swiss and international clients a comprehensive range of exchange services - listing, trading and post-trade solutions - from a single source. SIX Swiss Exchange is the third largest stock exchange in Europe in terms of free float market capitalisation and the fourth largest in terms of trading volume. It hosts 3 of the 5 highest capitalised companies in Europe, as well as a broad universe of bonds, ETFs, sponsored funds, ETPs and structured products. With Sparks - the new equity segment for small and medium-sized companies - SIX Swiss Exchange is also the ideal place to list when it comes to growing your SME.

Pitched offers bespoke marketing services for companies, thought leaders & entrepreneurs who are looking to grow quickly and effectively. By supporting new business and product launches with the creation of pitch decks, presentations and branding guidelines, we provide what’s needed to guarantee success. We also help established corporations to optimize their existing marketing and communication strategies with fresh and inspiring content — thus helping them stay ahead of the pack. Our team of experts in our very own downtown Zurich studios provides a long list of services, covering podcast production all the way to personal branding and positioning. At Pitched, we live and breathe our motto: Less nonsense. More substance.

Our Deloitte Private specialists advise private companies and family businesses, as well as entrepreneurs and high net worth individuals. We help to address the unique challenges faced throughout the business lifecycle, and unlock potential for growth and innovation.

Jens Breu

CEO of the SFS Group since 2016 and member of the board of Dätwyler since 2019. Having an engineering background, he has joined SFS in 1995 and since took on various management functions in the organization. Among others, as COO 2014-15 he was part of the SFS IPO team.

Dr. med. Katharina Gasser

Dr. med. Katharina Gasser studied medicine and gained practical experience as a physician in the fields of internal medicine and geriatrics. She then transitioned to the healthcare industry, where she held various leadership positions at several pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in both the Swiss and global contexts over many years. Since September 2022, Dr. med. Katharina Gasser has taken on the role of General Manager at Roche Pharma Switzerland. She is characterised by a strong commitment to digitalisation in healthcare. Additionally, Katharina Gasser holds leadership roles in business associations, including serving as the President of the Zug Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of the Zurich Chamber of Commerce.

Thorsten Hartmann

Thorsten Hartmann has been Branch Manager of Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd. in Basel since 1 February 2022. Prior to that, he worked for over 17 years in various roles at Credit Suisse (AG), most recently as Head of Private Banking (HNWI) in Northwestern Switzerland. Thorsten Hartmann holds a master's degree from the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU).

Prof. Dr. Thomas Straub

Professor of International Management at the Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM), University of Geneva, Switzerland. He is the co-director of the Master of Science in Responsible Management and teaches Corporate Strategy and Change Management. He is a permanent Visiting Professor and Chairman of the International Scientific Committee at the UNESCO department of the University of Bucharest, Romania and is a permanent Visiting Professor at the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), Switzerland. He leads R&D projects at national and international level (e.g. Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and Swiss Development Agency - SDC).

Tanja Vainio

Tanja Vainio is Country President for Schneider Electric Switzerland and part of Schneider Electric’s DACH executive management team since March 2022. Ms Vainio also serves as Member of the Board of Directors at Franke Group as well as Aspen Organization Central Eastern Europe. Tanja Vainio has more than 20 years’ Industry experience. She joined Schneider Electric from ABB, where she held various local and global leadership roles with increasing responsibility, most recently as Managing Director Business Line Automotive Supply Chain at Robotics & Discrete Automation Business. Ms Vainio holds a Master of Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) & Tampere University of Technology, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from MIT.