Michael Maeder to leave Switzerland Travel Centre

Michael Maeder has been working for STC for around 18 years, including four years as Managing Director of the subsidiary in London and 14 years as CEO of the overall company. He has now decided to leave the Switzerland tour specialist at the end of June. The travel enthusiast from Bern is planning a break to travel the world before taking on new professional challenges. 

The Board of Directors of Switzerland Travel Centre deeply regrets this decision. “I would like to thank Michael Maeder very much for his many years of managing STC so successfully. He took over the company when it was in a critical state and, after a turnaround phase, transformed it over the years into the highly successful and relevant tour operator it is today,” says Brigitte Berger Kurzen, Chairwoman of STC. Mr Maeder also guided the company through the challenging coronavirus period with great foresight. 

The search for a successor has been started. Mr Maeder leaves behind an economically sound company that is very well positioned for the future. 

Under his leadership, significant investments have been made in e-commerce for direct customers, while B2B sales, including Group business, have also been successfully expanded. In addition, new customer markets have been opened up, particularly in Asia, with the establishment of a subsidiary in Hong Kong. Today, STC occupies a very successful niche with a focus on multi-day trips in Switzerland. 

“As I am now in my mid-fifties, I was also faced with the question of whether to continue like this until I retire or to start something new. I decided to go for something new. However, it will be difficult for me to say goodbye to the STC team,” says CEO Michael Maeder, who will be stepping down soon.