Personal Assistant & Business Manager to the Executive Chairman

BARNICKEL & FELLOWS seeks a Senior Personal Assistant & Business Manager in Zürich to support the Executive Chairman with strategic direction, family office coordination, and global stakeholder management in a hybrid, high-autonomy environment.

The Executive Chairman is transitioning from daily operations to a strategic focus on long-term vision, key relationships, and an integrated ecosystem spanning business, investments, and family office activities. This position is designed to align closely with his priorities and operational style, enabling him to maximize his effectiveness while managing complex global engagements and family office oversight.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and prioritize a dynamic, forward-looking schedule with a clear understanding of strategic context.
• Coordinate international travel logistics to ensure smooth execution across multiple time zones.
• Serve as a primary liaison and gatekeeper for a global network of stakeholders, preserving key relationships across business and personal domains.
• Develop comprehensive briefings and synthesize complex information to prepare the Principal for high-level meetings.
• Plan and execute international engagements with meticulous attention to detail and quality.
• Support speechwriting, content creation, and coordination of investor relations, roundtables, and public appearances at major forums like the WEF.
• Design and maintain dashboards, investment tracking systems, and executive workflows to streamline deal flow and operational processes.
• Assist in structuring and expanding family office frameworks.
• Manage personal and lifestyle matters while supporting philanthropic and long-term strategic initiatives.
• Act as a reliable point of contact for investors, advisors, and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Commercial apprenticeship or business administration degree (B.A.) from a top-tier hotel management school (EHL, Les Roches, Glion), and/or Federal Diploma in executive assistance.
• Proven experience in a similar executive assistant or personal assistant role, preferably within family offices, real estate, wealth management, or luxury hospitality.
• Native or business-fluent English proficiency.
• Swiss-German language skills at C2 level.
• Strong digital literacy, including proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with AI-supported tools.
• Residence in Switzerland with willingness to travel occasionally.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in additional languages.
• Background in entrepreneurial, venture-backed, or private equity settings.

What the company offers

• Competitive overall compensation package.
• Direct access to leadership, significant autonomy, and a culture emphasizing ownership.
• Involvement in strategic initiatives, investment oversight, and family projects within an international framework.
• A supportive environment where contributions are recognized and impactful.

About the company

The role operates outside a conventional office structure, demanding flexibility beyond standard working hours, across time zones, and during weekends. The work environment is defined by ambiguity, high autonomy, and a fast-paced rhythm.

• Flexible schedule extending beyond traditional hours and time zones.
• High degree of autonomy and ownership in decision-making.
• Fast-paced environment with tolerance for ambiguity.
• International context with exposure to strategic and investment topics.