The Swiss government has named former banker Thomas Süssli, who currently heads the Armed Forces Command Support Organisation (AFCSO), as new army chief from the end of this year.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/jc
Русский
ru
Специалист по киберобороне возглавил Вооруженные силы Швейцарии
Süssli, 52, will take over from Philippe Rebord, who is leaving for health reasons. He is seen as rather untypical for an army chief, having worked in IT, run his own company and held high level positions in the banking sector.
Announcing the appointment on Wednesday, Defence Minister Viola Amherd said he had been chosen over three other candidates for his “great experience in directing complex projects and also his expertise in cyberdefence”.
Until a few years ago, Süssli was an officer under Switzerland’s conscription and militia army system, before acceding to the career officers’ corps in 2015. In 2018 he was named head of the AFCSOExternal link, where he is responsible for “the command and control capabilities of the armed forces and the national crisis management, cyberdefence and electronic operations”.
In civilian life, he trained as an IT specialist and financial analyst, and has held high level positions at several banks including UBS, Bank Vontobel and Credit Suisse. From 2001 to 2007, he directed a Zurich based company which he co-owned.
As head of the army he will have to tackle a number of big challenges, including the controversial procurement of new fighter jets to replace the army’s aging fleet and implementation of army reforms launched in 2018. The army also needs to do more to attract women and develop a supportive policy towards transgender people in its ranks.
More
More
Saab withdraws from Swiss fighter jet test flights
This content was published on
Saab’s Gripen E fighter jet will not participate in tests this month in Switzerland, the Swedish company said on Thursday.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Army chief says transsexuals should be able to join Swiss military
This content was published on
Transgender people should be allowed in the Swiss army if they meet the conditions of service, says outgoing army chief Philippe Rebord.
Swiss army considering admitting transgender recruits
This content was published on
While current rules make transgender people ineligible for military service, the army is mulling over the possibility of lifting restrictions,
This content was published on
Switzerland starts the competition to replace its ageing fighter jets, by inviting five European and US companies to submit their bids.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.