Maximilian von Reden, the director of Bern's prestigious Hotel Schweizerhof, is leaving his position after six years. His departure marks a significant change for the luxury hotel. In related news, a Credit Suisse logo has been removed from a prominent federal square location, symbolizing the end of an era for the bank.
Key Takeaways
- Maximilian von Reden leaves Hotel Schweizerhof after six years for a Brussels luxury hotel.
- Sascha Spiegel, a former Schweizerhof apprentice, will take over as director.
- The Credit Suisse logo at Bundesplatz has been removed, marking a symbolic end.
Leadership Transition at Hotel Schweizerhof
Maximilian von Reden, 51, is stepping down as the head of the Hotel Schweizerhof in Bern. He has managed the luxury establishment for approximately six years. His next role will be as director of the Amigo Hotel in Brussels, Belgium. The Amigo Hotel is a larger luxury hotel with more than 160 rooms.
Von Reden is known for his international career. He spent 14 years working in Asia. Before joining the Schweizerhof, he managed a luxury hotel for the Mandarin Group in Prague. He began his tenure at the Hotel Schweizerhof in 2019.
Hotel Schweizerhof Ownership
The Hotel Schweizerhof is indirectly owned by the state fund of Qatar. Maximilian von Reden has managed the hotel under this ownership structure for six years.
Working with the Qatari owners presented a unique cultural experience. Von Reden shared his perspective with the industry portal "Hotel Inside."
"It is a different culture that one has to get used to. This was also new for me, because I had no previous connection to the Middle East. But I would not have stayed for six years if it had not worked out somehow."
This quote highlights his ability to adapt to diverse operational environments. His long tenure suggests a successful working relationship despite cultural differences.
New Leadership for Bern's Luxury Hotel
The Hotel Schweizerhof has already named von Reden's successor. The hotel group has chosen a Bern-based solution for the leadership role. Sascha Spiegel will take over as the new hotel director starting November 3.
Spiegel previously worked as a hotel manager at the Victoria-Jungfrau in Interlaken until July. For him, this new position represents a full circle moment in his career. He started his apprenticeship as a waiter at the Hotel Schweizerhof 25 years ago.
Spiegel's return to the Schweizerhof brings him back to his roots. He will have his first public appearance at the Zibelemärit. This annual event provides an opportunity to meet prominent Bernese figures. The hotel traditionally hosts the "Bäredräck" award ceremony on the morning of this public holiday.
Bern's Five-Star Hotel Landscape
While the Schweizerhof experiences a change in leadership, another of Bern's five-star hotels, the Bellevue Palace, maintains continuity. Hotel Director Urs Bührer has led the Bellevue Palace for over 18 years. This shows a contrast in leadership stability within Bern's luxury hotel sector.
Credit Suisse Logo Removed from Bundesplatz
In other local news, a symbolic change has occurred at Bundesplatz. The Credit Suisse logo at the bank's branch near the Bundeshaus has been removed. This particular logo became a frequent subject for photographs during the bank's recent troubles.
The logo served as a visual representation of the federal government's intervention. This intervention ultimately led to the transfer of Credit Suisse's remaining operations to UBS. The removal signifies the end of Credit Suisse's independent presence.
Until recently, the Credit Suisse logo was clearly visible at the Bundesplatz branch. Now, the space where the logo once stood is a plain, light-colored wall. Only a small emblem of the former bank remains on the glass entrance door. This small detail is the last visible remnant of Credit Suisse at this important location.
The disappearance of the logo marks a symbolic end to a significant era in Swiss banking history. The event reflects the wider changes within the financial sector following the bank's collapse.
Impact of the Logo Removal
- Symbolic End: The removal visually confirms the end of Credit Suisse's brand presence.
- Historical Context: The logo was often photographed during critical moments of the bank's crisis.
- UBS Integration: The removal follows the bank's acquisition by UBS, part of a larger consolidation.
These changes in Bern's local landscape, from hotel management to financial institution branding, reflect ongoing shifts in the city's business and symbolic identity.