Denner chief Schweri hands over control of daily business

The founder and often controversial boss of Denner, one of Switzerland’s main discount retail chains, has effectively resigned his operational taks.

The founder and often controversial boss of Denner, one of Switzerland’s main discount retail chains, has effectively resigned his operational taks.

Karl Schweri, 82, will remain president of the board but will hand over day-to-day operational decisions to a team of three managers. The group is to be headed by Philippe Gaydoul, a grandson of Schweri. New will also be Marcel Zumbühl, former top manager of Switzerland’s ABM department store, and Peter Aegerter, who recently left Swiss Dairy Food.

Gaydoul,28, on Friday confirmed the changing of the guards, after several newspapers reported the story the previous day. He said the management reshuffle effectively means that Schweri is pulling out as day-to-day manager of Denner.

However, analysts point out that Schweri has repeatedly said he is pulling out – only to replace or force out his appointees a short time later.

In 1997, for instance, Schweri made Adrian Beeler the new operative chief of Denner. But Beeler resigned within a year of the appointment.

Denner is one of the many players in Switzerland’s discount grocery store business. It has been known for years for its discounted cigarettes and spirits.

Schweri also made a name for himself on the political front, where he launched a number of highly controversial consumer initiatives.

From staff and wire reports.