Arbeitgeberverband Basel

Summary

The Arbeitgeberverband Basel (Basel Employers Association) is a regional employers association representing the interests of employers in the Basel region. Marc Jaquet served as President for 22 years from January 1998 to August 2020, making him one of the longest-serving presidents in the organization's history.

History

Marc Jaquet Era (1998-2020)

Marc Jaquet took over as President in January 1998 and led the organization for over two decades:

Key Milestones:

• January 1998: Marc Jaquet becomes President
• January 2005: Joined board of Schweizerischer Arbeitgeberverband (Swiss Employers Association)
• January 2020: Announced retirement at New Year's reception at Theater Fauteuil
• February 13, 2020: Beat Hauenstein elected as successor
• August 27, 2020: Official handover ceremony

Leadership Transition (2020)

The handover from Marc Jaquet to Beat Hauenstein marked the end of an era:

• Beat Hauenstein is CEO of Oettinger Davidoff AG
• The transition was described as a "Schlüsselübergabe" (key handover)
• Took place at a general assembly on August 27, 2020

Current Leadership (as of 2025)

President

• Beat Hauenstein - CEO of Oettinger Davidoff AG

Board Members

According to the official website (as of December 2025):

• Pascal Bürgin - Head of Law, Patents and Compliance, Bayer Consumer Care AG
• Paul Clausen - Head of HR, Group Operations and Cell & Gene Division, Lonza AG
• Baschi Dürr - Director Christoph Merian Stiftung
• Jürg Erismann - Head Site Basel & Kaiseraugst, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
• Bernhard Fischer - Verwaltungsratspräsident Session AG
• Andrea Grisard - Verwaltungsratspräsidentin Ultra-Brag AG and SQS
• Riet Grond - Head People & Organization Switzerland, Novartis
• Dr. Brigitte Guggisberg - Geschäftsleiterin WWZ Forum der Universität Basel

Significance

Regional Influence

The Arbeitgeverband Basel plays a significant role in:

• Labor market policy in the Basel region
• Representation of employer interests in negotiations
• Influence on employment regulations
• Network hub for Basel's business elite

Connection to Major Basel Companies

Through its board membership, the association connects to major Basel-based companies including:

• Roche (F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd)
• Novartis
• Lonza
• Bayer
• And many other regional employers

Marc Jaquet's Legacy

During Jaquet's 22-year presidency:

• Established strong connections between the association and Basel's industrial elite
• Represented employer interests during significant economic changes
• Built relationships with national-level Swiss Employers Association
• Maintained involvement even after moving residence to Cham (ZG) in 2016

Related Documents

• Marc Jaquet - Former President (1998-2020)
• Schweizerischer Arbeitgeberverband - National umbrella organization