On October 1, 2025, Sonja Spichtig Grünvogel will take the helm of the Swiss Life Investment Foundation, succeeding Stephan Thaler, who has successfully led the foundation for sixteen years. This appointment is part of a structured succession plan, ensuring stability and a long-term vision.
To support this transition, Stephan Thaler will continue to contribute his expertise as a Senior Advisor until his retirement in 2027, thereby ensuring valuable continuity for the institution.
Under his leadership, the foundation has risen to become one of the four largest investment foundations in Switzerland, with over 19.6 billion Swiss francs in assets under management as of March 31, 2025, serving some 700 pension funds and collective foundations.
An experienced executive serving institutional investors
With over 20 years of experience in institutional investment management, Sonja Spichtig Grünvogel is a recognized figure in the pension industry. Since 2016, she has led the Swisscanto investment foundations, having previously held management positions at J. Safra Sarasin. She began her career at Credit Suisse.
A graduate in economics from the University of Zurich and a certified pension fund manager, she is also actively involved in the sector’s governance. Since 2023, she has served on the board of directors of Obwalden Cantonal Bank and is a member of the executive committee of the KGAST (Conference of Investment Foundation Administrators).
Her appointment is seen as a commitment to continuity and sustainable development. Her expertise, strategic vision, and dedication to pension planning are expected to further strengthen the foundation’s position in a constantly evolving institutional environment.
A Leading Player in Institutional Asset Management
Founded in 2001 by Swiss Life AG, the Swiss Life Investment Foundation now offers a comprehensive range of 50 investment groups covering all major asset classes: bonds, equities, Swiss and international real estate, infrastructure, mortgages, secured loans, and BVG portfolios.
Recognized for its financial strength and commitment to quality, the foundation is a member of KGAST and is supervised by the Supervisory Commission for Occupational Pension Provision (CHS PP).
Read the official press release: https://ch.swisslife-am.com/fr/home/media/news/switzerland/institutional/2025/changement-a-la-direction-fondation-de-placement.html
