Hans-Peter Trachsler succeeds Urs Häner at Dachser Switzerland

Hans-Peter Trachsler has been leading the Regional Office Switzerland of Dachser European Logistics located in Regensdorf (ZH) since March 2022. As of October 1, 2022, he will take over from Urs Häner, who will retire, the overall responsibility for the Swiss subsidiary. The editorial team spoke with both gentlemen about the conditions of the upcoming business handover and the challenges to be faced.

Das Interview führte Lorenzo Rigliaco

Mr. Trachsler, you are currently sharing an office with Mr. Häner. Is that working well?

T.: Yes, it is actually working excellently. We get along very well. The physical proximity promotes an intense exchange of ideas and facilitates necessary coordination. Urs Häner has been with Dachser for 25 years. He knows how the business operates, loves the company, and can convey the “Dachser spirit” very well to me. I find him very open and collaborative. Our discussions include, among other things, what new impulses I would like to introduce. What works well should be preserved, and agility in our complex times should be increased. The handover of responsibilities is a fluid process. Where it makes sense, we decide together. Otherwise, Urs Häner will continue to run the business as before.

Mr. Häner, how is the company that you are now handing over to Mr. Trachsler?

H.: Dachser Switzerland has a proven and robust business model, motivated employees, and a good customer portfolio. For 2020 and 2021, we presented an excellent balance sheet and income statement despite the pandemic. Our expectations were also met in the first quarter of 2022. However, it is difficult to estimate how the business will develop due to the known circumstances (war in Ukraine, inflation, skilled labor shortage, Covid-19). Currently, we are expecting slight growth for the entire year of 2022.

Mr. Trachsler, what are the challenges of your new role?

T.: I was “socialized” at DB Schenker for many years. I knew the company inside and out. I understood how to navigate it and which levers to pull to be successful. At Dachser, I am now getting to know a new culture. I need to immerse myself in new processes and feel them out, in short: learn new things. Dachser is a successful company, and there are reasons for that. I want to get to know these reasons gradually. At the same time, I need to test how I can contribute to the company and what I can do to enhance the company’s success.

© Dachser

Corporation vs. Family Business – how do you manage the cultural shift?

T: The newness, the transition to a family business intrigued me. But Dachser also has certain corporate structures. I am currently, so to speak, putting in the miles to get to know the operation better. Personal encounters with the employees of Dachser Switzerland and with customers are at the forefront.

What goals have you set for yourself?

T.: Dachser has grown significantly over the last decade. Despite the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the company is well positioned and has set ambitious goals for the coming years. I want to advance Dachser Switzerland further in this corporate environment – together with all the employees who work with us. I see great potential for us as a successful logistics service provider in Switzerland.

Mr. Häner, what specifically lies ahead for Dachser Switzerland in the medium term?

H.: The company will continue to drive the digitization of its processes. Upcoming projects include, among others, the adaptation of the customs software for Switzerland, electronic invoicing (e-Invoicing), digitized local transport 2.0, and measures for climate protection. By 2024, our Regensdorf (ZH) branch and by 2025, the Lyss (BE) branch will be expanded and environmentally friendly electrified (solar systems, e-mobility, etc.).

Mr. Trachsler, what importance do performance orientation and social responsibility have for you?

T: For me, performance goes hand in hand with social responsibility and resources. Dachser is proud of its corporate culture. Important elements of this culture are humanity, professionalism, as well as clear principles and innovative thinking. In such a culture, sustainable profit orientation and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive.

What are your particular strengths?

T.: I am an authentic person who leads collegially, a team player who involves his employees in decision-making processes. I am also very customer-oriented. It is important to me that we listen to the customers, that they understand our services, and that we engage in a dialogue with them. Only then can it become a win-win situation.

Do you have a motto?

T.: Work should be enjoyable for me and my employees.

Mr. Häner, you have been with Dachser Switzerland for almost 25 years, the last eight years as Managing Director European Logistics Switzerland. What plans do you have for the time after?

H.: First of all, I want to travel to the North Cape. Then I want to improve my Italian skills in Italy. Additionally, I plan to engage in charitable work in South Africa. Finally, I want to work on my golf handicap. There is still room for improvement.

Photo: © Gion Pfander / Image caption: Urs Häner (left) hands over the management of Dachser Switzerland to Hans-Peter Trachsler