News & Trends

Swiss Futuremovers in the World

16.07.2024 3 min

About 10 per cent of the Swiss population lives abroad. Some of them have made it to the top of major companies, others are working on the challenges of our time. What they all have in common is that they are helping to shape the future of our world.

Martin Lotti

The creative mind behind Nike – USA West Coast

He’s the head designer and director of one of the biggest brands in the world: Nike. Martin Lotti has designed styles such as the Air Max 360, which can be found on millions of feet all over the world. The 50-year-old from Fribourg leaves a tribute to his roots on his shoes in the form of a Swiss cross.

Daniel Humm

He cooked his way to the top – USA East Coast

The innovative chef from Aargau has cooked his way into the hearts (and stomachs) of his guests in New York. Eleven Madison Park was the world’s first three Michelin-starred vegan restaurant in 2022. During the lockdown, Daniel Humm (48) converted his star restaurant into a soup kitchen, feeding people in need.

Ernst Götsch

In balance with nature – Brazil

In north-eastern Brazil, the 76-year-old son of a farmer took over a cocoa farm classified as hopeless back then — and cultivated the same biodiversity as in the rainforest here after just five years thanks to mixed crops that mutually sustain each other. His concept of “syntropic farming” has many followers nationwide and worldwide.

Hans Rudolf Herren

Pioneer of organic farming – East Africa

The pioneer of biological pest control prevented famine in Africa in the 1980s by inventing a pest control method for mealy bugs. Hans Rudolf Herren (77) received several awards for his commitment. He used the prize money to set up Biovision, a foundation that promotes sustainable farming.

Uli Sigg

Committed to Chinese art – China

The former Swiss ambassador to China, North Korea and Mongolia owns the world’s largest collection of Chinese contemporary art. The 78-year-old used to work as a business journalist in Asia and concluded the first joint venture between a western industrial group and a Chinese state enterprise for Schindler, among many other achievements.

Christine Haruka

Japanese TV star – Japan

At the age of just 20, Christine Haruka emigrated on her own to Japan, her father’s home country. She made a career for herself there as a reporter, commentator and comedian. Her focus has always been on political issues. Today, the 32-year-old woman from Zurich works out of Tokyo for Japanese regional television.

Barbara George- Jäggli

Climate change researcher – Australia

Australia is severely affected by climate change. Biologist Barbara George-Jäggli, who conducts research for the government, is part of the solution. The goal: to cultivate grains that can withstand intense heat periods with little water.

Urs Hölzle

Swiss Google pioneer – New Zealand

As the eighth employee at Google, the Basel computer scientist was instrumental in the development of the tech giant. After more than 24 years in leadership positions, most recently heading the roughly 12,000-strong team of Google Cloud, the 60-year-old stepped back from management last year.