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.
2. What makes Switzerland’s Best Managed Companies programme unique?
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
3. How does a company apply to be one of Switzerland’s Best Managed Companies?
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.
4. What are the application criteria?
The criteria we use for the programme are lined out here.
5. What’s the timeline for the programme?
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 2027 will open on 5 October 2026
Deadline for submission of Phase II is 29 April 2027
They will be notified of their success in the course of May 2027
Best Managed Companies Gala event on 24 Juin 2027
6. Who selects the companies recognized as Best Managed?
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.
7. Can a company get recognized as Best Managed more than once?
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.
8. What are the evaluation criteria and how does the evaluation phase of the programme work?
The judging panel will examine companies under the four pillars of strategy, capabilities, commitment and financial.
9. Are there any costs attached to applying for the Best Managed Companies programme?
No, all we ask for is a little of your time.
10. Will my company’s financial information become public?
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.
11. What is the privacy policy that relates to handling of company information?
The Best Managed Companies programme was established in 1993 in Canada and has become the most significant business award of its kind. The programme is active in 40+ countries across the Americas, Europe and Australasia.
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:
1. Integrity
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.
2. Foster diversity, equity and inclusion
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
3. Commitment to upholding the standard of the Best Managed programme designation through the four pillars
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
4. Best Managed community role model
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
