swissnet Group, a leading provider of ICT, network and innovative technology solutions, has announced a significant leadership change that signals its strategic direction for the coming years. Stefan Gubeli will assume the position of Group CEO effective 1 January 2027, succeeding Jonathan Sauppe, who will step down from his operational role on 1 March 2027. The transition, designed to ensure continuity and stability, includes a two-month period during which Gubeli and Sauppe will jointly lead the company. This orderly handover underscores the Board's commitment to maintaining momentum while positioning swissnet Group for its next phase of development.
The appointment of Gubeli comes at a pivotal time for swissnet Group, which is focused on further integrating its group companies and achieving sustainable, profitable growth. Gubeli brings over twenty years of leadership experience in building, transforming and scaling technology companies. Since 2023, he has served as CEO of SCHENK Systeme AG, a provider of cloud-based software and SaaS solutions. Previously, from 2013 to 2022, he was Managing Director of BiCA (Schweiz) AG, Managing Director of BiCA (Austria) GmbH and COO of the BiCA Group, where he transformed the company from a hardware provider into a cloud-based SaaS provider. He also founded and led CiRRUSOFT Inc., his own cloud company in Silicon Valley, from 2017 to 2022. His extensive experience in M&A transactions and board service will be instrumental in driving swissnet Group's strategic initiatives.
Gubeli expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, "I am very much looking forward to this role and would like to thank the Board of Directors for its trust. swissnet Group and its companies have a strong foundation - together with the management team, I intend to bring them closer together and drive their profitable development." His vision aligns with the Group's ongoing efforts to develop specialised AI, computer vision and automation solutions for industrial and critical infrastructure applications, as well as its core offerings in Managed Network, Security, Wi-Fi, UCC, Video and Digital Experience solutions.
The outgoing CEO, Jonathan Sauppe, will work closely with Gubeli to ensure a structured handover of ongoing operational and strategic matters. Sauppe commented, "With Stefan Gubeli, we have found a strong successor to lead the company. The joint transition period will enable us to hand over responsibilities in a structured manner while ensuring the necessary continuity for our employees, customers, partners and shareholders." Sauppe's leadership has been instrumental in shaping swissnet Group into the organisation it is today, and his decision to remain as an advisor and shareholder under a multi-year contractual agreement provides valuable continuity and strategic insight.
Urs van Stiphout, Chairman of the Board of Directors, welcomed Gubeli and thanked Sauppe for his contributions: "The Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Stefan Gubeli, an experienced executive, to swissnet Group. At the same time, we would like to thank Jonathan Sauppe for his significant contribution to building the Group and are pleased that he will remain closely associated with swissnet Group as an advisor and shareholder." The Board's appreciation for Sauppe's exceptional commitment and entrepreneurial responsibility highlights the solid foundation upon which Gubeli will build.
This leadership transition is more than a routine succession; it represents a deliberate step to accelerate swissnet Group's integration and growth strategy. With Gubeli's proven track record in cloud transformation and scaling technology firms, the Group is poised to capitalise on emerging opportunities in AI, automation, and managed services. Stakeholders can expect a continued focus on innovation and operational excellence, ensuring swissnet Group remains a competitive force in the ICT and network solutions market.
