AGVS: Urs Wernli hands over to Thomas Hurter
CHANGE 18 years ago, Urs Wernli was elected Central President of the AGVS. In September, the 70-year-old will hand over his office to his successor Thomas Hurter. In this interview, Urs Wernli takes stock. Thomas Hurter is a business economist and holds an MBA. As the new Central President of the Automobile Club of Switzerland (ACS), Thomas Hurter is very well connected. [...]
Thomas Hurter is a business economist and holds an MBA. As the new Central President of the Automobile Club of Switzerland (ACS), Thomas Hurter is very well connected.
The Auto Gewerbe Verband Schweiz is the industry and professional association of Swiss garage owners. As an umbrella organization, it supports its members with services, promotes their interests and contributes to the further development and profiling of the automotive industry in the area of education and training.
After 18 years as AGVS Central President, you are now handing over your office. How does that feel?
Urs Wernli: First of all, I'm looking forward to more freedom in everyday life and a new rhythm of life. Having more time for family, friends and my hobbies. Gratitude to all those who have supported me in many projects resonates strongly in my thoughts.
Many positive experiences and memories of cooperation with committed members, responsible persons from the sections and commissions, representatives of partner organizations as well as from politics and administration shape the images I take with me.
I will certainly miss the camaraderie with my colleague and colleagues on the Board, the teamwork with the staff in the office and the section boards, and many valued colleagues. Many friendships have developed over the years.
When you look back on your time as president, have you achieved all your goals?
I did not achieve all my goals. However, I can be satisfied with what has been designed and implemented for the members and the automotive industry during my time in the AGVS together with many committed people.
What were the biggest challenges for you during your time as president?
First of all, as a career changer from the supplier industry who knew the industry and many garage owners well, I had to win the trust of the employees, the batch bearers and then successively of the members.
Most of the challenges do not take place on the big stage and have to be overcome internally. Leading the AGVS from a professional association to a recognized industry association that also has a voice in politics and administration was challenging.
What were your personal highlights during your time as president?
Advancing the realignment of the association from representing the interests of garage owners to the association of garage owners as a mobility service provider was one of my highlights. But the highlights also include leading the car mechanic to the new profession of automotive mechatronics technician, the introduction of the vocational training fund, the launch of the Auto Energie Check AEC, the modern website and the strengthening and professionalization of communications.
A special highlight was the planning and the move to Mobilcity, the competence center of the car and transport industry. Certainly, political successes are also part of this, such as the rejection of a more expensive freeway toll sticker, the people's approval of the NAF or the second Gotthard tube and, most recently, the rejection of the CO2 law.
Source: Isabelle Riederer/AUTO&Wirtschaft
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