The new generation of Swiss leadership met in Lausanne for the fifth edition of the SWISS WHO'S WHO NEXTGEN AWARDS, an event promoted by Swiss Who's Who which every year highlights emerging personalities from the worlds of business, culture, communications, and innovation.
The event, hosted on May 21, 2026 on the campus of EHL Hospitality Business School, brought together entrepreneurs, managers, professionals, and representatives of civil society with the aim of creating a dialogue between generations and promoting figures considered capable of impacting the country's future.
The evening confirmed the role of the SWISS WHO'S WHO NEXTGEN AWARDS as a platform dedicated to contemporary leadership and the development of transversal professional networks. At the heart of the initiative is the desire to foster dialogue between diverse experiences and highlight paths characterized by innovation, strategic vision, and adaptability.
The two main awards
The central moment of the event was the award ceremony, assigned by the jury and the public.
The Jury Prize went to Andrea Furlan, founder of the watch brand Furlan MarriThe jury highlighted the entrepreneur's ability to reinterpret the independent watchmaking sector through a combination of tradition, authenticity, and entrepreneurial vision.
During his speech, Furlan emphasized how artisanal excellence must maintain a connection with the human dimension and a passion for savoir-faire, identifying the pursuit of quality and emotion as one of the distinctive elements of the sector.
The Audience Award was instead assigned to Matthieu Wildhaber, awarded for the consensus among participants and within the Swiss Who's Who community. Specializing in communication and the art of speaking, Wildhaber drew attention to the importance of authentic and informed communication, based on precise language and consistent intentions.
Here are the people who received a special mention
Alongside the winners, the event also gave space to other figures selected for their contributions to their respective professional fields.
Between these, Anne-Laure Bandle, recognized for her career in the Swiss and international legal sector, characterized by specialized expertise and strategic vision.
Present also Loïc Brunschwig, representing a new generation of managers committed to combining business continuity, innovation, and development in the luxury sector.
On the cultural front, it intervened Josephine de Weck, who through his artistic work offers a contemporary reflection on society and the cultural transformations underway.
The evening was hosted by Chloe Carrière e Saskia Straub.
Robin Cuche's speech
Among the most significant moments of the evening was also the participation of Robin Cuche, guest of honor at the 2026 edition. The multiple Paralympic medalist from the Milan Cortina Games shared his personal and sporting experience, offering a testimony linked to the themes of resilience, determination, and overcoming limits.
His speech was one of the most popular parts of the event, fitting into the reflection on the ability to address change and transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
The vision of Swiss Who's Who
According to the CEO of Swiss Who's Who, Dr. Jérôme KoechlinThis fifth edition confirms the need to create spaces for discussion between generations and to valorize people capable of making a concrete contribution to the evolution of Swiss society.
The organization also thanked the initiative's partners, including EHL Hospitality Business School, Cornercard, Lombard odier, LGT, NEXT Next Generation e Little Prince Swiss Foundation, organizations that support the project dedicated to promoting leadership and the transmission of skills.
Founded as an influencer network and networking platform, Swiss Who's Who It brings together around 1.500 figures active in the fields of economics, finance, politics, research, education, media, sport and culture, through events, leadership development programmes and a dedicated digital platform.
