SKN | BDO Switzerland Signals Strategic Continuity With Internal Leadership Transition

BDO Switzerland has entered 2026 with a carefully managed leadership transition that underscores continuity, institutional memory, and a clear preference for internal succession. The audit and advisory firm has appointed long-serving executive Stephan Bolliger as Chairman of the Board of Directors, reinforcing its strategy of steady governance rather than transformational change.

A Chairman Shaped by the Firm’s Regional Core

Effective January 1, Stephan Bolliger has assumed the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors at BDO Switzerland. Bolliger brings three decades of experience within the organization, most recently as head of the Northwest Switzerland region and as a member of the management board. His appointment reflects BDO’s confidence in leaders who combine client proximity with operational depth, particularly at a time when audit and advisory firms are navigating heightened regulatory scrutiny and client expectations.

Bolliger succeeds Harry Affolter, who steps down after four years as chairman and a total of 40 years with the firm. Affolter’s departure, effective at the end of January 2026, is driven by age-limit rules rather than strategic disagreement, signaling an orderly and pre-planned transition at the top.

Executive Board Refresh Anchored in Internal Talent

Alongside the board change, BDO has refreshed its executive leadership with two internal appointments. Michael Bitzi has been named head of the Central Switzerland region and joins the executive board, bringing with him 35 years at BDO and deep experience from his tenure as branch manager in Zug. Matthias Hildebrandt, who joined the firm in 2012 and previously led the audit division, takes over responsibility for the Central Plateau region.

These appointments replace Peter Baumgartner and Harry Affolter, both of whom are departing after long service. The emphasis on internal successors highlights BDO’s investment in leadership development and cultural continuity, a critical differentiator in professional services where client trust is closely tied to relationship stability.

Regional Leadership Adjustments Strengthen the Operating Model

The changes extend beyond the executive board into regional and site-level management. David Dahinden joins the Central Switzerland regional management team, while André Vonarburg assumes responsibility as site manager in Sursee. Christian Zumstein takes over leadership of the Solothurn office, and Thomas Bigler and Michael Käsermann join the Central Switzerland regional management team.

This cascade of internal promotions suggests a deliberate effort to align governance, executive oversight, and local execution. For clients, particularly owner-managed businesses and mid-market corporates, such continuity reduces execution risk during leadership transitions.

Strategic Implications for 2026

BDO’s leadership changes point to a firm prioritizing stability over disruption as it positions itself for 2026. In a market where audit quality, independence, and advisory credibility are under constant scrutiny, BDO appears to be reinforcing its foundations rather than signaling a shift in strategic direction. For stakeholders, the message is clear: governance is evolving, but the firm’s client-centric operating model and internal culture remain firmly intact.

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