A new chapter for Stefan Ludwig
The luxury hospitality industry sees a notable leadership change as Stefan Ludwig transitions from Gstaad Palace to The Mansard. After more than five and a half successful years as Executive Assistant Manager Sales & Marketing at Gstaad Palace, Ludwig is set to take on the role of General Manager at The Mansard.

Ludwig’s departure from Gstaad Palace, effective at the end of the 2024/2025 winter season, marks the end of a significant chapter. Under his leadership, sales, revenue management, marketing, public relations, and events at the iconic five-star superior hotel flourished. “Side by side with owner Andrea Scherz and the entire Palace family, I have had the privilege of refining our positioning and navigating complex times like COVID,” Ludwig stated, reflecting on his tenure.

The appointment of Ludwig as General Manager of The Mansard, effective 1 April, highlights his extensive background in luxury hospitality. With nearly 26 years of experience, Ludwig has shaped exceptional guest experiences. His new role will allow him to drive The Mansard’s position in Gstaad’s luxury market. “I am honoured to join at such an exciting time of expansion,” Ludwig commented.

As part of this transition, Martin Bieri will step down as Managing Director on 1 April. Michel Wichman, who recruited Ludwig last year, also decided to withdraw as a shareholder. Wichman expressed his satisfaction with the transition: “I will exit as a shareholder, and I am happy about the transition so I can focus on new projects. With Ludwig at the helm, the hotel enters an exciting new phase, building on the strong foundation laid by its leadership team.”

Making Guests Who Are Sleeping Away from Home
Interview with Stefan Ludwig

Stefan Ludwig, you will be the General Manager at The Mansard starting in April. Are you looking forward to this new challenge? 
Yes, very much! My wife, our dog, and I are very happy here in the Saanenland. Now, I have the opportunity to take on this new challenge in our beloved home and create something new for a slightly different clientele. 

Throughout your career, you have worked in five-star hotels, most recently at the Gstaad Palace. Now, you are moving to a three-star superior hotel. How do you see this transition? 
For me, the number of stars a hotel has was never important. People come first – both the employees and the guests. No matter how glamorous or prestigious a brand is, our primary goal is to make guests who are away from home happy, whether by choice or necessity. The number of stars doesn’t matter. The Mansard is a bit smaller and more private, but it is beautiful and has great potential to offer something extraordinary to travellers and locals alike. I am really looking forward to it! 

You have worked at the Gstaad Palace for five and a half years.
I could have easily worked at the Gstaad Palace until the end of my career. It is a fantastic position—very diverse—and the collaboration with the many departments and with Andrea Scherz has been excellent. However, Andrea Scherz understands why I want to take on this new challenge, and I am very grateful for all his support. 

Your background is more in hospitality management, yet you spent many years working in the marketing departments of major hotels. Is this move a “return to your roots”?
Exactly. I actually started with a traditional culinary apprenticeship. But my dream was always to go into the hotel industry and experience different cultures. After five years in the kitchen, I realised I wanted to become a General Manager. Because of my culinary background, I first worked in F&B departments until someone told me, “You belong in sales!” So, from 2006 onward, I was consistently involved in sales and marketing—until now. Starting in April, I can finally fulfil my dream of managing a hotel.  

You were born in Berlin. What is your connection to Switzerland and the Saanenland? 
I have become a Swiss citizen, and my heart beats in Swiss rhythm! I previously worked three years at the Victoria-Jungfrau Hotel in Interlaken and, since 2019, at the Gstaad Palace. I love this region and am happy to continue working here. 

Based on AvS | Sonja Wolf