Niesenbahn Strengthens Management Team
NIESENBAHN AG is strengthening its leadership in several key positions. With these new appointments, the company is focusing on continuity, stability, and quality in its core business, the Berghaus, as well as on sustainable development across its business areas. Andrea Affentranger is the new Head of HR, Denise Schmid is the new Head of Kitchen, and Roger Blaser is taking over management of the Berghaus Niesen Kulm. Andrea Affentranger and Roger Blaser complete the management team with Nicolas Overney, Head of Marketing and Sales Events, Andreas Wiedmer, Head of Operations and Technology, and Nick Reding, Operations Manager of the Berghaus Elsigenalp.
Realignment of the central management positions “HR”
Andrea Affentranger will take over the management of the newly repositioned "Human Resources (HR)" department. She brings extensive experience in human resources management and will further drive the company's strategic development in this area. The further development of employee management with clear processes, digital tools, training plans, and coaching inputs will promote organization, motivation, and performance. A further focus will be on measures for an inclusive, equitable, and appreciative corporate culture, including intensive support for young talent. Andrea Affentranger holds a degree in hotel management and restaurant management from the Swiss Hotel Management School Lucerne (SHL).
“Returnee” in the kitchen
Denise Schmid will be responsible for the Berghaus Niesen Kulm's culinary offerings as the new head chef. Her expertise will bring fresh new flavors to the restaurant and strengthen the Berghaus's positioning as a truly Swiss gourmet destination. Denise Schmid, a trained butcher and chef, previously worked at Berghaus Niesen Kulm from 2015 to 2019 and returns to the Berghaus kitchen with additional experience from SCB's Sportgastro AG and Remimag Gastronomie AG. She will lead a team of around 10 employees in the kitchen and office and will also train apprentices in the future.
From Wimmis to the Niesen summit
Roger Blaser, who lives at the foot of the Niesen mountain with a view of his new workplace, will take over management of the Niesen Kulm mountain inn. With his extensive experience in the hotel and restaurant industry, he will actively shape the company's further development and, together with his team, ensure an outstanding guest experience. Originally trained as a chef, Roger Blaser strengthens the management team with a wealth of knowledge from the hospitality industry; he knows the suppliers and has extensive expertise in quality, purchasing, catering, and production.
Employees are crucial
For the Niesenbahn, the social dimension of sustainability is also a key success factor. Employees with experience and a flair for building enriching relationships with guests are essential to success. The Niesenbahn management is focused on continuously strengthening the team so that they can support the company's philosophy and deliver work that is both satisfying and crucially successful for the company.
Succession plan at the Berghaus after 18 years
Maria Hari, the long-time manager of the Niesen Kulm mountain hut, is handing over her leadership as part of the succession plan and will continue to support the team in the background with advice and assistance until the fall. At the same time, she is reorienting herself. As she herself says, this step is a relief for her and she will always remain connected to her favorite mountain. The Niesenbahn management would like to sincerely thank Maria Hari for her 18 years of service at the mountain hut. She has made a decisive contribution to the mountain hut's profile over many years. Long-term loyalty cannot be taken for granted these days. This is all the more so given that the framework conditions have changed significantly with the 2018/19 mountain hut renovation and the coronavirus pandemic, and with it the demands on management.
