EHL Foundation is the sole owner of E.H.L. Holding SA and its Board of Trustees defines the EHL vision and founding values. It makes use of the Swiss and international network of its President and members, while producing a positive impact on the reputation and brand.
The historic organization of EHL as a Foundation ensures that the primary focus remains the development of high quality education for our students.
Jörg Arnold*, General Manager, The Chedi Andermatt
Dominique Seiler*, Adivsor to Executive and Non-Executive Boards
Members of the Board of Trustees
Marie Forestier*, Director, Hôtel Bon Rivage & Vice president, HotellerieSuisse
Dr. Roland Herrmann, NED and VP Doctors' Health Insurance Cooperative, NED Vaillant
Christian Hürlimann, CEO HotellerieSuisse, NED Reka, STV FST Swiss Tourism Association
Luciana Vaccaro, Rector, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland
*EHL Alumni
Board of Directors of E.H.L. Holding SA - The Board of the EHL Group
Members of the Board of Directors
Dr. Carole Ackermann, President
Jörg Arnold, Vice-President
Dominique Seiler, Vice-President
Urs Achermann
Dr. Joy Chen
Marie Forestier
Dr. Roland Herrmann
Christian Hürlimann
Sabine Krauss
Christopher W. Norton
York Scheunemann
Luciana Vaccaro
Board Role and Competences
The Board of Directors of E.H.L. Holding S.A. is entrusted with the approval of the EHL Group's strategy, operating within the framework established by the EHL Foundation.
Composed of non-executive members, the Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in providing strategic guidance to the sub-companies, ensuring that their operations align with the overarching goals of the EHL Group. The Board members collectively bring together the necessary academic,industry, and business expertise to effectively execute the Group’s strategy.
Additionally, the Board is responsible for approving the medium-term plans and budgets, as well as controlling the EHL Group’s capital allocation and management, thereby facilitating the financial and operational planning of the EHL Group.
The election of the members of the Executive Leadership Team and of the extended management team of the EHL Group also falls under the Board's purview, as well as the Group’s compensation policies, ensuring that the Group is led by competent and visionary individuals, and maintain compliance with legal and ethical standards.
This comprehensive approach underscores the Board's commitment to steering the EHL Group towards sustained growth and success.
Election and Term of Office
Members of the Board of Directors of E.H.L. Holding SA are elected for a term of office of one year, renewable up to a maximum of nine years of mandate. The term of office of a Board member ends at the latest and in all cases at the end of the calendar year in which the member reaches the age of 70 years old.
Self Assessment
The Board of Directors conducts an annual self-assessment to ensure continuous improvement and effective governance. This process involves a thorough evaluation of the Board's performance, identifying areas for enhancement, and implementing necessary changes. By engaging in self-assessment, the Board demonstrates its commitment to maintaining high standards of accountability, transparency, and strategic oversight, thereby fostering the sustained success of the EHL Group.
Succession Planning
The Board of Directors places a strong emphasis on effective succession planning to ensure the continuity and stability of leadership within the organization. This process involves identifying and developing potential candidates for key positions, ensuring that the Group is prepared for any future leadership transitions. By prioritizing succession planning, the Board demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a robust leadership pipeline, fostering long-term growth, and sustaining the strategic vision of the EHL Group.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors comprises four distinct Committees, each of which appoints its own Chairperson. The Chairperson's primary duties include organizing and leading the Committee meetings.
The four Committees of the Board of Directors of E.H.L. Holding SA are the Nomination Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Audit & Risk Committee, as well as the Capital Allocation & Governance Committee.
1. Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee (“NC”) convenes at least once annually to fulfill its responsibilities, which encompass evaluating and making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the size and composition of the Board of Directors of E.H.L. Holding S.A. and its sub-companies, as well as of the Board Committees.
The NC is also tasked with establishing and reviewing procedures for the identification and selection of candidates for election to the Board of Directors or the Executive Leadership Team, on top of evaluating and recommending nominees for election to these positions.
Lastly, the NC annually assesses potential conflicts of interest among Board members and members of the Executive Leadership Team, and reviews the succession plan for the most critical positions within the Group, as well as the talent management plan.
Members of the Nomination Committee:
Dr. Carole Ackermann, Chairperson
Jörg Arnold
Christian Hürlimann
Sabine Krauss
Dominique Seiler
Luciana Vaccaro
2. Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee (“CC”) meets at least twice annually to carry out its duties. These include the regular review and recommendation of the EHL Group's compensation policy to the Board of Directors, ensuring that it aligns with the EHL Group and the EHL Foundation’s purpose and strategy
As part of the budgeting process, the CC proposes the annual maximum aggregate amount of compensation for the members of the Boards of Directors of E.H.L. Holding S.A. and its sub-companies, as well as the members of the Executive Leadership Team. Additionally, the CC is responsible for negotiating, implementing, and reviewing the individual terms and conditions, including compensation and severance payments, for these members.
The CC ensures conformity to principles of gender and diversity in all compensation practices.
Members of the Compensation Committee:
Dominique Seiler, Chairperson
Dr. Carole Ackermann
Sabine Krauss
Christopher W. Norton
3. Audit & Risk Committee
The Audit & Risk Committee (“ARC”) advises the Board of Directors on matters concerning in particular the integrity of accounting and financial reporting, the effectiveness of the internal control system, IT security and cybersecurity measures, as well as on decisions involving far-reaching financial ramifications.
Additionally, the ARC assesses the independence and performance of internal and external audits and has the authority to conduct investigations into any matters within its scope of responsibility.
The ARC encourages continuous improvement and fosters adherence to the Group’s policies, procedures and practices at all levels. Meetings of the ARC are organized at least three times per year.
Members of the Audit & Risk Committee:
Dr. Roland Herrmann, Chairperson
Christopher W. Norton
Dominique Seiler
4. Capital Allocation & Governance Committee
The Capital Allocation & Governance Committee (“CAGC”) is accountable for overseeing the strategic allocation of capital, encompassing the development of activities and the execution of acquisitions and divestitures. It evaluates the suitability of prospective financial transactions, ensuring alignment with the EHL Foundation's purpose and the EHL Group's strategy.
Moreover, the CAGC manages the processes and controlling mechanisms related to capital allocation. The CAGC meets at least once a year.
Members of the Capital Allocation & Governance Committee:
