He was elected to the presidency by delegates gathered in the central city of Neuchâtel on Saturday.
Zeltner’s candidacy was approved by 90 delegates, with only two abstentions. He is tasked with restoring calm to the crisis-stricken organisation.
The 75-year-old Bernese is expected to take on a transitional role while the organisation carries out a broad consultation on its operations.
Until mid-May, chaired the SRC’s blood donation unit. During his career, the doctor and lawyer made his name by heading the Federal Office of Public Health from 1991 to 2009.
The SRC is Switzerland’s biggest charity (not to be confused with the International Committee of the Red Cross).
Its president Barbara Schmid-Federer resigned early June following a damning report. Schmid-Federer’s leadership style was taken apart by the independent report into the dismissal of SRC Director Markus Mader in December.This led to the resignations of four members of the Red Cross Council that oversees the SRC.
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Former health official ‘next Swiss Red Cross President’
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After heavy criticism of the Swiss Red Cross leadership, former health official Thomas Zeltner will reportedly be nominated as president.
Swiss Red Cross president steps down after damning report
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The President of the Swiss Red Cross has resigned for “health reasons” following heavy criticism of her leadership style.
Ex-minister called to help steer Swiss Red Cross out of crisis
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Ex-minister Simonetta Sommaruga is being called to head the crisis-hit Swiss Red Cross and has shown interest, reports the NZZ am Sonntag.
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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.