Greater Zurich Area Ltd. appoints new class of Ambassadors 2023

Peer support platform for those interested in doing business in both jurisdictions

The Greater Zurich Area appoints outstanding individuals with strong ties to the Greater Zurich economic region as Greater Zurich Ambassadors. This Ambassadorship program aims to elevate the peer support platform for those interested in doing business in both jurisdictions. Greater Zurich Area's Ambassadors are vital to conveying Greater Zurich's overall message both digitally and offline to reach and attract innovative companies and entrepreneurs. 

Sonja Wollkopf Walt, Managing Director of GZA, appointed the following "Greater Zurich Ambassadors" for the class of 2023:

• Jeff Poulton, CFO, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
• Andreas Raptopoulos, Founder and CEO, Matternet
• Ophelia Snyder, Co-Founder and President, 21.co
• Michael Vollmer, Chief Business Development Officer and Managing Director, Switzerland, Photon Medical Communications, Inc. 

Sonja Wollkopf Walt, Managing Director of GZA mentions her appreciation: ”I am thrilled about the unique perspectives that the new Greater Zurich Ambassadors will bring, and I am deeply grateful for their enthusiasm to lend their talents and leadership to this role.”

Jeff Poulton, CFO, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals adds: ”One of the things that stands out about operating in Greater Zurich is the high quality and diverse talent pool available to fill roles across our entire organization - R&D, supply chain, commercial, and corporate functions. It’s a great location to build a team to lead our international operations.”

Andreas Raptopoulos, Founder and CEO, Matternet says: “Doing business in Zurich is like doing business in the future. The city just works — there’s a deep culture of excellence, a strong focus on serving the community and a regulatory framework that’s leaning forward to shape a better tomorrow.”

Ophelia Snyder, Co-Founder and President, 21.co explains: “Zurich is an exceptional place to conduct business. With its strong infrastructure, access to a highly skilled workforce, and strong reputation for financial services, it is an ideal place for our company's home base.”

Michael Vollmer, Chief Business Development Officer and Managing Director, Switzerland, Photon Medical Communications mentions furthermore: “In 2004, as head of international business development for teleradiology firm NightHawk Radiology, I was tasked with finding the perfect location for NightHawk's European headquarters. After spending a week meeting with business leaders, local government officials, and members of the Greater Zurich Area, it was clear that we could not make a better choice than Greater Zurich for our international base. Zurich offered us an excellent location with a world-class employee pool, infrastructure, security, beauty, culture, and cuisine. For me, the best airport in the world for ease of transportation to other European and international cities. Without a doubt, it does not get any better for international business than to be in Greater Zurich.”

Expansion of the existing Ambassador network and larger Swiss business and diplomatic community 

The award program was launched in 2017. In total 46 outstanding individuals are part of Greater Zurich’s Ambassador program. The program is vital for building a network, promoting the region, and identifying suitable companies.