University of St.Gallen appoints Swiss National Bank’s Matthias Ammann as new Secretary General from 2026

University of St.Gallen appoints Swiss National Bank’s Matthias Ammann as new Secretary General from 2026

(IN BRIEF) The University of St.Gallen has appointed Dr. Matthias Ammann as its new Secretary General, beginning 1 January 2026. Currently Managing Legal Counsel at the Swiss National Bank, Ammann brings broad expertise in law, business, and legal technology to the role and will also serve as a member of the President’s Board. He was chosen from a wide field of candidates following a multi-stage selection process. President Prof. Dr. Manuel Ammann welcomed his appointment, highlighting his strong legal and managerial background. The University also thanked Dr. Stephanie Bernet for her outstanding service as interim Secretary General since May 2025, following the departure of Dr. David Schneeberger.

(PRESS RELEASE) ST. GALLEN, 11-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of St.Gallen (HSG) has appointed Dr. Matthias Ammann as its new Secretary General, effective 1 January 2026. He will succeed Dr. Stephanie Bernet, who has been serving as interim Secretary General since May 2025. Dr. Ammann will also join the President’s Board as part of his new responsibilities.

Dr. Ammann was selected through a competitive, multi-stage recruitment process and formally appointed by the University’s Board of Governors at the beginning of September. He brings with him more than a decade of experience at the Swiss National Bank (SNB) in Zurich, where he has worked since 2012 and currently serves as Managing Legal Counsel. In that role, he has advised various departments on complex legal matters, supported the Executive Board and Bank Council, and overseen projects in legal technology and operations—experience that will be directly relevant to his new position at HSG.

Holding a doctorate in law from the University of Basel, Dr. Ammann previously worked as a solicitor at leading Swiss law firms Vischer and Bär & Karrer. His profile also includes an MBA from Copenhagen Business School and further executive education, most recently a CAS in Legal Tech.

“We are delighted to have Matthias Ammann, a proven professional with extensive experience in complex public and private law, join HSG as our new Secretary General,” said President Prof. Dr. Manuel Ammann (unrelated). Dr. Matthias Ammann added: “I am looking forward to this new responsibility, which will allow me to combine my legal, business, and technological expertise in a meaningful way.”

The University also expressed its gratitude to Dr. Stephanie Bernet for her service as interim Secretary General. Since May 2025 she has ensured continuity and stability during the leadership transition. Her predecessor, Dr. David Schneeberger, stepped down in May 2025 to establish his own law practice.

Media Contact:

Mattea Bieniok
Media Relations Officer
Tel: +41 71 224 37 27
mattea.bieniok@unisg.ch

SOURCE: University of St.Gallen