Thomas Heiniger at a biking charity event last year
Keystone
Thomas Heiniger has been elected president of the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) by the delegates of the Red Cross Assembly. He succeeds Annemarie Huber-Hotz, who has held the presidency since 2011.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/ts
Heiniger, 62, is a “proven healthcare expert who is well connected in Switzerland and across borders”, the Bern-based SRC said in a statementExternal link on Saturday.
“I want to work with all my energy and heart for the SRC, the unique charity dedicated to more humanity in this world through the principles of its action, its long experience, the breadth of its work and being embedded in a global movement,” he said in his inaugural speech.
Heiniger was a lawyer before becoming a member of Zurich’s cantonal government and the cantonal director for health.
The Swiss Red Cross Group comprises 24 cantonal associations along with five rescue organisations, two institutions, and the SRC headquarters. The SRC is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent MovementExternal link, which comprises the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and 190 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Popular Stories
More
Foreign Affairs
How a top Swiss university is screening Chinese students
L’Oréal acquires South Korean subsidiary of Migros’ cosmetics brand
This content was published on
French cosmetics firm L'Oréal is acquiring Gowoonsesang Cosmetics, the South Korean subsidiary of the Migros-owned Mibelle group, for an undisclosed sum.
Sharp hike in number of protected historic monuments in Switzerland
This content was published on
In 2022, there were close to 91,000 protected historic monuments in Switzerland, 21% more than in 2016, said the Federal Statistical Office.
Switzerland adopts further EU sanctions against Russia
This content was published on
Switzerland has added several dozen names to its list of sanctioned persons or entities from Russia after adopting the amendments made by the European Union.
Snowfall causes travel restrictions in much of Switzerland
This content was published on
Heavy snowfall in several regions of Switzerland caused restrictions in road and rail traffic on Monday morning, though conditions eased by the afternoon.
Swiss major-general named acting head of UN observer force in Golan Heights
This content was published on
Major-General Patrick Gauchat has been appointed acting head of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights.
Accidents up sharply among older skiers in Switzerland
This content was published on
People over the age of 40 account for more than half of all ski injuries in Switzerland, a new study by insurance firm Suva shows.
Switzerland proposes strengthening rights of people with disabilities
This content was published on
The Swiss government is proposing a package of new legislative measures to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in all areas of life.
This content was published on
The Swiss artist Kurt Laurenz Metzler, known for his colorful sculptures made of fiberglass and polyester, has died in Zurich at the age of 83.
Historic Swiss bathhouse on Lake Constance destroyed in a fire
This content was published on
In the northern Swiss town of Rorschach, the 100-year-old Badhütte (bathing hut) on the shores of Lake Constance burned down early Monday morning.
Trump picks Callista Gingrich as ambassador to Switzerland
This content was published on
Incoming United States president Donald Trump has named Callista Gingrich as the next ambassador to Switzerland. Gingrich was posted to the Vatican under Trump's previous term.
This content was published on
Not many know that the Swiss Red Cross, whose symbol of aid is instantly recognisable, was condemned for its actions during the Second World War.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.