Verena Gross Head of Wealth Management German Speaking Switzerland & Member of the Executive Board at Pictet Wealth Management, Klaus Fiala, Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Switzerland, and Quentin Epiney, Founder & CEO of Forbes Global Properties Swiss & Alps and Managing Board Member of Comptoir Immobilier, addressed the legacy of their brands.

“All of our companies”, said Gross in her opening speech, “have a long history, but also an entrepreneurial spirit.” And, she added that “it's a really deep conviction that with our day-to-day business, we really build something which lasts and from which not only we, but also the next generations will benefit.”

With that, the scene was set for the night’s speakers. Each represented a unique perspective on legacy and resilience. Andrea Kracht, the sixth-generation owner of Zurich’s renowned Hotel Baur au Lac, shared insights into the challenges of running a family-owned business with nearly two centuries of history. Gina Domanig, Managing Director of Emerald Technology Ventures and a pioneer in climate tech investment, brought a forward-looking view on sustainability and the financial strategies that enable it. Quentin Epiney of Forbes Global Properties Swiss & Alps and Laurent Gabert, Head of Real Estate at Pictet Alternative Advisors, offered deep expertise on sustainable real estate investments and how to balance profitability with community impact. Together, these speakers formed a cohesive narrative on how legacy is built and sustained in diverse industries.

Andrea Kracht was the first to take the stage, providing a fascinating glimpse into the operations of the iconic Hotel Baur au Lac. With its origins dating back to 1844, the hotel has long been a symbol of Swiss luxury and hospitality. Kracht emphasized the importance of personal involvement in maintaining the hotel’s identity, stating, “Every decision we make is deeply personal. It’s not just a business—it’s a legacy.”

He attributed much of the hotel’s success to its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots, offering insights into managing change across generations. Currently, Kracht is working alongside his daughter, Marguita, who will be taking over the hotel in the future. Kracht’s narrative also touched on the strategic decision to remain a single-property hotel, ensuring that its brand remains undiluted and its high standards uncompromised.

Andrea Kracht’s recommendations for Long-Lasting Success

• Preserve Legacy by Balancing Tradition and Modernization
  Invest in maintaining the core values and traditions of a family business while staying adaptable to evolving market demands. Kracht emphasized that personal leadership and decision-making help maintain the identity and quality of a brand, ensuring it resonates with both long-standing and new generations of clients.
  
  
• Maintain a Singular Focus to Protect Brand Integrity
  Avoid diluting the brand through overexpansion. By choosing to operate a single property, Kracht ensured that the Baur au Lac could maintain its unmatched quality and exclusivity, demonstrating that a narrow focus can lead to enduring success.

The conversation then turned to sustainability and innovation with Gina Domanig, Managing Partner at Zurich-based Emerald Ventures, who has spent over two decades investing in clean tech and climate technology solutions. Domanig spoke passionately about the intersection of purpose and profit, underscoring the importance of backing ventures that address global challenges while remaining financially viable.

“If you’re not financially successful, you will have no impact,” she remarked, pointing out that only scalable and sustainable solutions can truly drive change. She detailed Emerald’s investment in a water management company that incentivizes farmers to adopt sustainable practices by focusing on cost savings—a model that aligns economic and environmental interests seamlessly. Asked about the impact of the recent US election, she said that there will be challenges for cleantech companies—with a potential silver lining for Europe. “We’re already telling the North American companies in our portfolio: diversify now, enter the European or the Asian market—don’t wait."

Gina Domanig’s recommendations for Long-Lasting Success

• Align Profitability with Purpose
  Ensure that sustainability-driven ventures are also financially viable. Domanig underscored the importance of combining impact with scalability, stating, “If you’re not financially successful, you will have no impact.” This dual focus enables long-term survival and meaningful change.
  
  
• Invest in Scalable Solutions for Broad Adoption
  Back ventures that provide economic incentives to stakeholders, such as projects that save costs while improving sustainability. Domanig highlighted the need for business models that align incentives for all parties, making it easier to implement impactful solutions globally.

Quentin Epiney (Forbes Global Properties Swiss & Alps) and Laurent Gabert (Head of Real Estate, Pictet Alternative Advisors) brought the discussion to real estate, a sector undergoing profound transformation in the wake of shifting post-pandemic priorities. They highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability into every aspect of development, from energy-efficient designs to community-oriented projects. Epiney noted, “In real estate, what we create today will shape the lives of people for decades. It’s a responsibility we take seriously.”

Gabert added to that, saying that “in the real estate business, we are forced to have a long-term view because what we build, transmit, sell, or rent impacts all stakeholders—not just owners but also tenants, communities, and even the broader environment. It's about creating value that extends beyond profitability, fostering resilience and societal impact.”

The two also discussed challenges in the sector and how to ultimately decide if a real estate project is a success. They agreed that while financial return is important, success factors are much broader, including sustainability, but also social and governance aspects.

Quentin Epiney’s and Laurent Gabert’s recommendations for long-lasting success:

• Design Real Estate Investments with Community Impact in Mind
  Create projects that balance profitability with broader societal value. Laurent Gabert emphasized, “What we build, transmit, sell, or rent impacts all stakeholders—not just owners but also tenants, communities, and even the broader environment.” A focus on community engagement ensures relevance and longevity.
  
  
• Focus on Addressing Significant Needs to Drive Value Creation
  Real estate investments that address substantial, unmet needs not only foster community and environmental impact but also generate significant profitability. Quentin Epiney underscored this approach, stating, "If the need is large enough, then the generated value can be extremely high, which means we can achieve profitability." By aligning projects with pressing societal or market demands, investors can unlock opportunities that create long-term success while ensuring meaningful contributions to stakeholders.

The speakers collectively underscored a common theme: the need to bridge the tradition of family-owned businesses with the modern demands of sustainability and innovation. Whether through family businesses, venture capital, or real estate, the emphasis remained on creating long-term value that benefits all stakeholders. The discussion extended into Q&A sessions, where the audience asked questions about navigating generational leadership, balancing profitability with purpose, and adapting to evolving client expectations. As the evening drew to a close, attendees mingled in the Leuenhof’s elegant surroundings, exchanging reflections on the evening’s discussions.