Farewell, dear Herbert Bolliger

Herbert Bolliger joined Migros as a controller at the age of 30 after studying business administration in Zurich. Apart from a brief spell with the PwC Group, he remained loyal to Migros until his retirement. In 1999, he successfully oversaw the merger of Migros Bern with Migros Aargau/Solothurn to form Migros Cooperative Aare, of which he became the first managing director. Six years later, at the age of 52, he joined the FMC as President of the Executive Board.

Under his leadership, Migros strengthened its position significantly on the Swiss market, with group sales rising from CHF 20 billion to more than CHF 27 billion. As a strategist with a profound knowledge of the retail industry, Herbert Bolliger enabled Migros to take over Denner. He also accelerated the company's digital transformation and initiated the gradual acquisition of a stake in Digitec Galaxus, today the undisputed leader in Swiss online retailing. Thanks to his focus on sustainability, Migros has repeatedly been named the world's most sustainable retailer.

Herbert Bolliger's family was very important to him. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time for his family and two children. Together with his wife, he attended many cultural events, representing Migros. His great passion was music, ideally loud rock music. He was a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones. In 2007, he even managed to get the Stones to play a special concert in Lausanne, to which all Cumulus card holders were invited. During the concert, Herbert Bolliger stood backstage in a band shirt, enjoying the legendary rock group's performance together with 40,000 Migros customers.

Herbert Bolliger was genuine, modest and down-to-earth. Even after his retirement in 2017, he was regularly seen shopping at Migros in his local neighbourhood. However, he largely withdrew from the public eye. Only once, in 2022, did he take a firm and public stand against the lifting of the ban on alcohol sales - as an "ordinary member of the cooperative", as he emphasised. In so doing, he captured the mood of fellow cooperative members very well.

We had the pleasure of working with Herbert for many years, and he was both funny and endearing. We have lost a person whose openness and commitment touched us deeply. His tireless dedication to Migros' values remains an inspiration for us to continue his efforts to improve the common good.

On behalf of the Migros community, we wish to express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Farewell, dear Herbert!

Ursula Nold, President of the FMC Board of Directors
Mario Irminger, President of the FMC Executive Board