Urs Tschumi's path was not strictly planned. From cheesemaker to management positions in production and operations management, he developed step by step to become CEO of JOGA Med AG.
«I was born into food production to a certain extent,» says Urs Tschumi. His parents ran a cheese dairy, so the industry was part of his everyday life from an early age. Over the years, this area has been a recurring theme throughout his career - from milk and powder production to pharmaceutical and hygiene-related products.
His professional career began with an apprenticeship as a cheesemaker, now a dairy technologist. This was followed by further training to become a federally certified master cheesemaker and later a federally certified organizer. Step by step, he developed from a specialist through management positions to the top of an innovative Swiss company. Looking back, he does not describe this path as a strictly planned career, but rather as a continuous development: «It was often a case of growing into tasks that you got to know in subordinate functions and in which more and more skills were added.»
The change from operations manager to managing director was particularly formative for him. «That was certainly a big step, because new requirements were suddenly added,» he explains. Nevertheless, it was always clear to him that he wanted to develop both professionally and personally. In addition to professional expertise, the focus was increasingly on business management topics, strategic issues and leadership.
What fascinates him about the industry to this day is its special mix of continuity, stability and further development. «It's a cool industry,» he says with a smile. Especially in economically uncertain times, he says, it shows how stable the food industry is. At the same time, consumer behavior, market trends and customer requirements are constantly changing.
Today Urs Tschumi runs the JOGA Med AG a company that holds its own in a challenging market environment and at the same time continues to develop. As a contract manufacturer, the company has been developing and producing pharmaceutical confectionery and confectionery for the food trade for over 40 years. Its range of services also includes bulk filling and the packaging of cosmetic products in tubes, bottles and cans. The company offers its customers a comprehensive full-service package - from development and procurement to production and packaging. At the same time, the JOGA Med AG challenges that many Swiss SMEs are facing:
«Competitiveness as a Swiss company is a major concern for us,» he explains. The strength of the Swiss franc, rising costs, high quality requirements and constant price pressure demand constant adjustments. In addition, there are technological developments, new recipes and investments in processes and systems. However, people are particularly important. «Having the right people in the right positions is key.»
«Those who know the basics and know how processes really work are more competent leaders.»
Urs Tschumi
Today, he sees his many years of experience directly in the company as a great advantage. The proximity to production, processes and employees has had a significant impact on his management style. For him, success is by no means just about economic figures «Satisfied employees who enjoy their work are at least as important.»
Values such as integrity, honesty and reliability still characterize his management style today. Respect, cohesion and trust play a central role for him both at work and in his private life. It is particularly important to offer employees development opportunities and to shape change together.
The motivation for his work has remained the same over the years. Above all, the further development of processes, new challenges and the opportunity to develop solutions together with the team drive him every day. In our short interview of the month, Mr. Tschumi talks about personal values, success, motivation and his daily focus as CEO.
Mr. Tschumi, if you had taken a different path when you were younger, what would you have become?
«I would have chosen a career in the food production sector again. On the one hand, the industry is relatively cyclical and, on the other, I was born into it to a certain extent. Looking back, I would probably want to spend part of my professional life abroad in order to expand my foreign language skills and professional experience.»
What is your favorite way to start your day?
«With a muesli breakfast and at the same time with a personal focus on goals and values with which I want to shape the day.»
What does success mean to you personally?
«Economic success is of course part of my role as CEO. However, satisfied employees who enjoy their work, a certain degree of social responsibility and customers who are 100 percent convinced of our expertise are at least as important to me.»
What would you work for free for a week?
«For a social project that gives people respect and dignity.»
What was the best professional advice you ever received?
«Success comes from hard work, integrity, honesty and reliability - values that my father taught me.»
We would like to thank Mr. Tschumi for his contribution to this article.
Batterman Consulting Basel AG
Executive Search,
Byfangweg 1a, CH-4051 Basel
T +41 58 680 55 55
basel@batterman.ch
