Tokyo (SCCIJ) – The lineup of the Executive Committee of the SCCIJ changed considerably in February. The Annual General Meeting of the membership elected three new board members and confirmed a board member ad interim. Two new EC members are from Kanto and two from Kansai. We will introduce all four of them through a brief interview, starting with the Kanto board members Stefan Aebi (Managing Director of Gebruder Weiss KK) and Oliver Patrick Ryf (Managing Director of Aryzta Food Solutions JP/SK).
SCCIJ: Mr. Aebi, please introduce yourself briefly.
Stefan Aebi: I am a Swiss national from Zurich, 39 years old and professionally active in Japan since 2013. For 24 years I have been developing myself into a Transport Logistics and Forwarding specialist with assignments and ties all around the world. I am currently leading the Japanese organization of the +500-year-old family business Gebruder Weiss. I love outdoor activities, and Japan gives me a vast playground for that.
SCCIJ: Why did you decide to work for the chamber as a member of the executive committee?
Stefan Aebi, Managing Director of Gebruder Weiss KK (© Stefan Aebi)
Stefan Aebi: I was interested in being more actively engaged with Swiss business and the companies who show interest to develop in this market.
SCCIJ: What does the chamber mean for you, and your organization?
Stefan Aebi: The chamber is an environment where I can exchange local and international topics with counterparts, hear reliable information and seek advice or support. It is also a place to mingle and network with other Swiss people and friends.
SCCIJ: What other services should the chamber offer?
Stefan Aebi: I suggest more advertising of the benefits of being a member and how that could support the business activities/intelligence. Also, engage more with members outside the events to participate in conversations that (could) have a positive impact on their business.
Oliver Patrick Ryf, Managing Director of Aryzta Food Solutions JP/SK (© Oliver Patrick Ryf)
SCCIJ: Mr. Ryf, please introduce yourself briefly. Oliver Patrick Ryf: Grown up in the greater Zurich area, I started my professional career for various Swiss companies in different F&B industries such as dairy, beer, and bakery. In 2011 I relocated to Tokyo as Managing Director for my current employer, the global frozen bakery specialist ARYZTA Group (Baeckerei HIESTAND represents the Swiss member of this group). I truly enjoy working in this international atmosphere, both in regards to the group I work for and the Japanese local team I am responsible for.
Working and living in Japan has offered me lots of new experience and helped me to grow personally, so I can easily say that taking the decision to come here was my best professional decision so far. I see myself as a very open-minded, curious character, with the right mix of patience and determination. In my leisure time I do sports (tennis and running) and recently enjoy playing the ukulele.
SCCIJ: Why did you decide to work for the chamber as a member of the executive committee?
Oliver Patrick Ryf: After soaking up as much as possible from Japanese culture in my first years, I felt it’s the right time to bring myself more into the Swiss community. My main objective is to contribute to high-quality events, create valuable connections and help newcomers in Japan. In this first year, I have joined the PR&Media subcommittee, and thus I will set my focus here in trying to improve our service to our members.
SCCIJ: What does the chamber mean for you, and your organization?
Oliver Patrick Ryf: For me, it’s the primary connection to my Swiss network and the bridge to various other chambers. For our organization, it depends on the topic of the event.
SCCIJ: What other services should the chamber offer?
Oliver Patrick Ryf: It’s not necessarily about doing more or less. Generally, my impression is that there is a lot of exciting activities organized by the chamber and with the help of the Swiss embassy. However, if attractive new opportunities and ideas are coming up, I would like to try them out. I can’t be more concrete at this point after the short time with the board, but I am positive there will be new ideas coming. Stay tuned!
Interview partner: Martin Fritz for SCCIJ
