Madame Milch is not a foam beater.

Ricarda Demarmels (43) is the chairman of Emmi from Lucerne, Switzerland’s largest dairy processing company, since January 1st. He was able to present convincing numbers at his first media conference: for the first time, sales exceeded four billion francs. 50 young people embark on an apprenticeship like never before.

Of course, this is not yet his success. But Emmi believes she can do great things: Outgoing Chairman Konrad Graber, 64, says Demarmels is “off to an excellent start.” He calls the “brains”, “doers” of the company as one of Emmi’s success factors and gives warm words to Demarmels.

Friendly and approachable

Before the media conference, Demarmels was approachable and friendly. Stopping there to chat about skiing, take pictures, totally relaxed. Even journalists feel the “culture of togetherness” so embodied in Emmi.

Asked whether Blick still faces resistance or a glass ceiling in her role as the CEO of a large Swiss company, she ponders for a moment and answers: “There are no limits if you give your heart.” Then she adds that the corporate culture at Emmi is “exemplary”. “You can feel it from the way we care for each other, to the formation of our teams and committees.”

Emmi supported him in his career. She had applied for both CFO and CEO positions while pregnant. And he won the bid twice.

Is it your own handwriting?

The professional knowledge of the HSG graduate from Andeer GR is indisputable. Prior to his appointment as CEO, he served as CFO and Board Member at Emmi for three years, and previously held managerial positions at various food, investment and strategy consultancy companies.

He defines his employment as “in the sense of continuity”. He praises Emmi’s “successful strategy” and talks about the privilege of managing a company with 10,000 employees in 14 countries.

It guides you quickly and competently through the numbers and always takes the floor in the question-and-answer session. Demarmels comes across as determined and knowledgeable. Madame Milch is by no means a foam beater.

Regarding possible price increases in the face of ongoing cost pressure, he simply says: “We haven’t reached the peak in procurement costs yet. Accordingly, more price increases are required.”

Creator or Admin?

However, one may also feel a bit wary: “I don’t want to comment on that,” he said succinctly when asked about possible price cuts in the second half of 2023. He recently said that cost increases in logistics and energy “will not be deterred” and that “lessons from 2022 have been learned”.

Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether Demarmels is truly a “builder” or just a very good manager. In any case, the shadow of his former predecessor, Urs Riedener (57), who will take over from the group’s top Konrad Graber at the next General Assembly, is long.

Source :Blick