Tim Bachmann has been appointed CEO of the Swiss tour operator Hotelplan Suisse. He will assume his new role on 1 June 2020. Current COO Daniel Bühlmann, who has been running the business at an operational level for almost two years, is leaving the company at the end of November 2020.

In light of the current situation surrounding coronavirus, Daniel Bühlmann, COO and CFO at Hotelplan Suisse, has decided to step down at the end of November 2020. "The current situation calls for a reorientation and restructuring of the company. In consultation with Hotelplan Group CEO Thomas Stirnimann, I have therefore decided that it is in the best interests of the company to move forward my departure as COO and CFO, initially planned for next year, and transfer the management of Hotelplan Suisse into new hands sooner", explains Daniel Bühlmann.

Tim Bachmann, currently Director Touroperating Travelhouse, will take over the CEO baton on 1 June 2020. This will ensure a smooth transition over the next six months. Tim Bachmann has worked for Hotelplan Suisse for 11 years, most recently as Director Touroperating Travelhouse, a position he will retain as Hotelplan Suisse CEO. "We are delighted to have been able to appoint as new CEO Tim Bachmann, a proven tourism professional who knows inside out our company and the challenges presently facing the industry. I would like to wish him much fulfilment and success in his new role", says Thomas Stirnimann. Tim Bachmann will join the Hotelplan Group executive board in his new function, reporting directly to Thomas Stirnimann.

Björn Eckardt will take over the helm of the Hotelplan Suisse Finance & Controlling department as CFO on 1 November 2020. Björn Eckardt has worked at Hotelplan Suisse for 17 years, most recently as Head of Controlling, a function he will retain in his new position. "Björn Eckardt is the ideal person for the CFO role. His many years spent working with us mean that he knows the financial ins and outs like the back of his hand. I would like to wish him every success in his new duties", says Thomas Stirnimann.

"On behalf of the executive board, I would like to thank Daniel Bühlmann for his commitment during the last 12 years. In his dual role as COO and CFO, he has played a key role in cost optimisation over the past two years, thus ensuring that the company is excellently equipped to navigate these challenging times. I wish him all the best for the future", adds Thomas Stirnimann.