Changes to the SMG Executive Board

As of 1 January 2025, there will be changes to the strategic management of the SMG Swiss Marketplace Group. Jörn Nikolay becomes the new independent Chair of the Executive Board, succeeding Lothar Lanz, who is stepping down from the Board, as is Olivier Rihs.

Jörn Nikolay became independent Chair of the SMG Executive Board at the beginning of January 2025. Nikolay has extensive experience in the strategic management of digital companies and platforms. He has served on the executive and supervisory boards of various well-known companies, including Hemnet, SeLoger.com, StepStone, Immonet, Immoweb, Flix and Chrono24. As a partner at General Atlantic, Nikolay was instrumental in the creation of SMG until he left the investment firm. His extensive expertise and intimate knowledge of SMG make him the ideal candidate for the strategic development of the company.

Lothar Lanz and Olivier Rihs, who played a significant role in shaping the company from the outset while serving on the Executive Board, both resigned from the Board at the end of 2024. SMG would like to thank both of them for their contribution to the company’s successful development and strategic direction.

Commenting on his new role, Jörn Nikolay says: “With its popular platforms, SMG is a digital pioneer shaping the everyday lives of people in Switzerland. I look forward to continuing to drive the successful development of SMG together with my colleagues on the Executive and Management Boards. I would particularly like to thank Lothar Lanz for his formative role as Chair, as well as Olivier Rihs for his longstanding commitment, and their valuable joint contributions since the creation of SMG.”