SMG informs employees about the consideration of a reorganisation

24.05.2022

The merger of the former Scout24 Switzerland and TX Markets to form SMG Swiss Marketplace Group in mid-November 2021 brought together the combined strengths of Switzerland's leading digital marketplaces.

Following a preliminary review of the digital pioneer’s resources and new brand portfolio, as expected, some areas of overlap were identified that are currently being looked at as part of a potential reorganisation. At a company-wide meeting today, to keep everyone informed, the CEO, Gilles Despas, introduced the prospect of such a reorganisation to all staff.

Zurich, 24. May 2022 – The merger of the former Scout24 Switzerland and TX Markets to form SMG Swiss Marketplace Group in mid-November 2021 brought together the combined strengths of Switzerland’s leading digital marketplaces.

Following a preliminary review of the digital pioneer’s resources and new brand portfolio, as expected, some areas of overlap were identified that are currently being looked at as part of a potential reorganisation.

At a company-wide meeting today, to keep everyone informed, the CEO, Gilles Despas, introduced the prospect of such a reorganisation to all staff.

Considering the legal requirements on «mass dismissal» that apply to some areas of business, SMG has initiated an employee consultation process. For SMG, treating all employees fairly and equally is very important. To enable an even more inclusive process, employees who are not potentially affected by the reorganisation can also contribute to the consultation.

Furthermore, should the need for any staff layoffs be confirmed after the consultation, although not mandatory, SMG would provide a voluntary social plan for all affected employees. The results of the consultation will be known and communicated by mid-June.

While all mergers tend to lead to some convergences, this will have no negative impact on SMG customers. The company foresees that the combined strengths of all SMG brands will result in being much better equipped for innovation leading to improved products and services. A strong Swiss marketplace company is not only beneficial for SMG’s customers but also means SMG will be well-positioned to meet the challenges presented by tough global competition. SMG group’s objectives remain the same; to create a successful and enhanced network of online marketplaces to simplify people’s lives with forward-looking products in Switzerland.


Contact

Daniel de Carvalho, Group Director Corporate Communications SMG Swiss Marketplace Group [email protected]


About SMG Swiss Marketplace Group AG

SMG Swiss Marketplace Group AG is a pioneering network of online marketplaces and a leading European digital company that simplifies people’s lives with breakthrough products. SMG Swiss Marketplace Group AG offers its customers digital solutions to make some of their most important life decisions. Its portfolio includes Real Estate (immoscout24.ch, homegate.ch, ImmoStreet.ch, home.ch, Acheter-Louer.ch), Automotive (autoscout24.ch, motoscout24.ch, Car For You), General Marketplaces (anibis.ch, tutti.ch, Ricardo.ch) and Finance and Insurance (financescout24.ch). The competence network also includes the real estate valuation specialists IAZI AG and the developer of innovative real estate software CASASOFT. The company is owned by TX Group AG (31%), Ringier AG (29.5%), Mobiliar (29.5%) and General Atlantic (10%).

Marta Andreoni

Head of Design for Automotive

Introduce yourself and your role at SMG

I’m Marta Andreoni, Head of Design at SMG Automotive. I lead the design and UX writing team shaping AutoScout24 user experience. 

In my role, I wear many hats. My main focus is ensuring we stay true to our vision “simplifying people’s lives and connecting humans through innovative digital platforms” and our brand promise, “make it happen”. I challenge my team to think user-first, push for innovation, ease of use for our customers and make forward-thinking decisions, even within business and technological constraints.

 A big part of my role is supporting each designer’s growth, motivation, and career development. Through one-on-one coaching, mentoring, group work, and projects, I help my colleagues set and achieve their goals while fostering new learning opportunities.

What helps you feel empowered and confident in your role?

If I had to mention one thing I would say “being proactive” has been key to feeling more empowered. I enjoy solving problems, so when issues or opportunities arise, be it in the product, market or the team, I get curious and I proactively investigate the reasons and try to bring inputs to be discussed with others, this makes me feel I can be part of the process or solution and my point of view is going to be taken seriously. My optimism also plays a role, giving me confidence that even the most complex challenges can be solved. 

Besides, having trust from other managers and colleagues makes me feel in a safe environment where I can take ownership on topics I’m passionate about. 

What’s one thing SMG does well in fostering an inclusive workplace? What more can be done to amplify and support different perspectives in the workplace?

In my experience, we strive for balancing top-down and bottom-up inputs, ensuring employees can influence product directions, processes, and culture. People are approachable, and our strong feedback culture helps voices be heard. Across SMG, initiatives like regular People & Culture Surveys, topic guilds, and events in our locations across the world foster open exchange and mutual learning.

That said, I’ve noticed that quieter voices sometimes get less space, or interacting with top management can feel intimidating, especially when giving critical feedback. To make participation more inclusive, we could apply more facilitation and group work techniques like structured turn-taking, written input, and smaller group discussions – ensuring everyone, regardless of confidence level, seniority or personality, feels comfortable contributing. 

Design is often about seeing the world differently. How do unique perspectives contribute to more innovative, inclusive, or impactful design?

Design is about understanding diverse user personas and perspectives to create solutions that truly meet their needs or create new opportunities. I believe in the power of collaboration to shape user experiences – bringing together different disciplines, backgrounds, and lived experiences helps challenge assumptions, uncover blind spots, and drive more inclusive, innovative, and impactful solutions.

Looking back on your career, what’s one lesson or piece of advice you wish you had known earlier as a leader in design?

There are three things no one really prepares you for as a design leader: dealing with constant change, facing failure and handling emotions at work. These topics aren’t talked about much until you face them. I was lucky to learn from others’ experiences, but much of it came through my own.

One thing I wish I had understood earlier is the power of emotional intelligence, my job is no longer about the content and the design, it is about people. Self-awareness, not just of your own emotions, but also how others feel and react, can be the difference between conflict and harmony, frustration and clarity. The more I grow as a leader and designer, the more I realise that design isn’t just about doing the design job, delivering solutions on the market: it’s about navigating people, their emotions, and making change more acceptable and transforming issues into opportunities, both within the organisation and through great products.

 

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