CEO Brigitte Beck leaves RUAG MRO Holding

According to a company statement, CEO Brigitte Beck has decided to leave Swiss state-owned arms maker RUAG MRO Holding following controversial comments on Swiss neutrality policy and pursue a new career path. The Board of Directors respects this decision and thanks the outgoing CEO for her services to the company. Until the CEO position is filled, Christian Priller and Thomas Kipfer will co-manage the defence contracting firm on an interim basis. This was preceded by an in-depth clarification of details by the Board of Directors, presumably also with the involvement of law firms.

Brigitte Beck’s decision comes against the backdrop of two public appearances by the CEO in spring 2023 and the controversy that arose from them. As a result of the incidents, the Board of Directors had exercised its supervisory duty and subjected the details to an in-depth clarification. The result of this work revealed neither criminal nor sanctionable offences by the persons involved. However, both sides realised that the ongoing controversy could only be resolved with a change of leadership.