TASH   

VOLUNTEERS COORDINATOR, Genève (GE)

Tash is known for her calm demeanor and therefore makes an excellent coordinator for our volunteers! She keeps her cool in the midst of chaos (not that there is ever any chaos with a Swiss team) and knows the best Vegetarian recipes! 

In real life, Tash works in the Mental Health sector, and is finishing her Psychology degree. She also helps her Fiancee who is the founder of “Farmers’ Pick”. If you need fresh veggies, you know whom to ask! 

Tash’s favorite Swiss inventions are the Red Cross and, of course, Swiss Chocolate. What she misses most about Switzerland is the food and spending time in Swiss Nature whether by the Lac Leman or in the mountains. 



ROLF   

PRESIDENT OF SWISS FESTIVAL INC., St. Gallen (SG)

As the president, Rolf oversees sponsorship acquisition, partnership management and has the challenging task of keeping us all on track to deliver a successful Swiss Festival. He’s known for pushing meeting time limits and probably being the most diplomatic of the team. 

In real life, Rolf is the Sales & Marketing Manager at a travel wholesaler and tour operator, specialising in tailor-made itineraries to some of the most wildlife-rich destinations around the world. He also once was a taxi driver in NYC! 

Rolf’s favorite Swiss inventions are the Swiss Army Knife and Swiss watchmaking. Rolf most misses the rich flavours of Swiss cuisine, from decadent chocolate to comforting cheese fondue shared with friends.

OLIVIER

STALLHOLDER COORDINATOR, Genève (GE)

With the aim of ensuring a rich and varied cultural and gastronomical experience for all patrons, Olivier is responsible for the stallholders in the innovation hub, the market alley and our food arena. Relatively new to the team he also is the one who throws all the relevant questions into the mix.

In real life, Olivier works at an Energy company called ENGIE, in the Retail division, where he makes sure their Technology and Data are up to scratch to support their valued customers.

Mountains, cheese & chocolate are Olivier’s best friends and he’s grateful that he spends a lot of time in Switzerland and can enjoy the best of all worlds. Favorite Swiss invention would have to be his trusted Swiss Army Knife. 

NICOLE

COMMUNICATIONS & PARTNERSHIP COORDINATOR, Bachenbülach (ZH)

Nicole is a natural Networker and being local to Williamstown we can thank her and her many connections, that we can host this year’s festival at the amazing location that is SEAWORKS. 

In real life, Nicole is a certified and seasoned leadership and performance Coach, Trainer and Mentor. With 25 years of experience in the field, she works globally with high-potential individuals, athletes, leaders, executives, and their teams, assisting them in developing the focus, mindset and leadership skills necessary to succeed in today's modern world. 

Nicole most misses the beautiful Swiss mountains, good skiing & snow. As a true water rat, she also misses swimming in clean rivers and treating herself with Ovo-Schoggi and Swiss cheese afterwards. 

Favorite Swiss invention? “This is difficult as there are so many great ones! But if I had to pick one that I use daily, it would be the electric toothbrush, initially known as the Broxodent.” 

JASCHA

LOGISTICS & INFRASTRUCTURE, Auw (AG) 

Jascha is the brain behind all things logistics & infrastructure, which is no small feat. From organizing quotes for marquees, stage and many other elements to managing a smooth and fast bump-in and bump-out there are many things to consider. He also liaises with Olivier to make sure all stallholders know where to go and have all they need to deliver a great experience for the visitors. 

In real life, Jascha works as an Education Specialist at Swinburne University of Technology. He is the unit convenor for a core unit, Foundations of Statistics, in the School of Health Sciences. 

There are many things Jascha misses about Switzerland, but one of them is the white winters. “Where I lived we always had a lot of snow each year. Snow is both magical and messy, but I miss it.” He also misses the architecture and countryside.

“When it comes to inventions, I really like it when there is also a good story of the How and the Why. The invention of the hook and loop fastener system by the Swiss electrical engineer George de Mestral (19 June 1907 –8 February 1990) is one such great story. You might know this invention better by the name he gave it, Velcro.”

FRANCINE

EVENT COORDINATOR, MARKETING & SOCIALS, Rapperswil-Jona (SG)

Francine is known as our “Ideas Person”. Her main role is to ensure that the yearly Theme filters through all the layers of the Festival, making it a rich, educational and interactive experience for everyone. She also manages our scavenger hunt, website, socials and keeps an eye on the overall timeline.

In real life, Francine runs her own professional photography business and helps small businesses improve their visual identity on all platforms. She also has experience working for big events such as the AO and the Grand Prix. Having trained and studied martial arts for almost 30 years, she’s also our resident Ninja. 

Francine’s favorite Swiss inventions would be the world wide web and advancements in the creation of the Leica Camera. Things most missed from Switzerland: Chocolate Yoghourt, Caotina and Silser Kranz vom Coop! And of course, family & friends.

BRUNO

TREASURER, Pfaeffikon (SZ)

Bruno handles all things Money for the Swiss Festival and as a master Networker also has the knack of forging new connections with Swiss companies we didn’t even know existed over here. 

Bruno has a background in business informatics and brings over 30 years of experience helping organisations grow and deliver complex projects. He's worked across a range of industries—including finance, healthcare, telcos, and start-ups—and has supported businesses at every stage, from launch to expansion. Bruno also brings over 10 years of experience working with start-ups, both as a founder and advisor.

A Swiss Invention favorite of Bruno’s is, as well, the Swiss Army Knife. He misses the snowy days spent relaxing in a sauna and catching Rapperswil-Lakers games. 

BEN

HEAD OF ENTERTAINMENT, Uitikon (ZH)

Ben is the man behind the music, the mayhem, and the magic on stage. As the Festival's entertainment coordinator, he's the guy who ensures your ears are happy and your feet are tapping. 

By day, he's a director and financial adviser at Blue Ocean Wealth Management- because what's more Swiss than managing money? 

One thing he dearly misses from back home? The rhythm of Swiss life- especially the seasonal festivals packed with music, food, and wholesome chaos you just don't find here. 

His favourite Swiss invention? The ski lift. Because unless you've tried trudging uphill through knee-deep snow with frozen feet and regrets, you'll never understand the genius of being gently carried up a mountain by a swinging chair.

Catch Ben at the festival- likely near the stage, juggling performers, playlists, and pretending everything's under control.

ALEX

PR & COMMUNICATIONS, Kreuzlingen (TG)

Alex is the wordsmith in our committee and at the 2023 Swiss Festival was also known as the “Lucky Wheel” moderator. We never quite know where she is and she’s known to have her screen off during meetings. 

In real life, Alex is in charge of strategic partnerships at Hertz. 

Miss most? The food (of course). And her favorite Swiss Inventions would be chocolate (not matter whether the Swiss really invented it or not) and the Swiss Army Knife.