People - 24.09.2026 - 08:00
The HSG Foundation is welcoming a new CEO: Dr Sandro Grünenfelder will take over as head of the Foundation on 1 January 2027. He brings with him many years’ experience in entrepreneurial philanthropy, foundation work, governance and building partnerships. He thus combines key skills for the HSG Foundation’s remit: working with donors to raise additional funds for the University and thereby support its strategic development.
Since 2020, Sandro Grünenfelder has served as CEO of the Second Mile Foundation. There, he is responsible for an international portfolio of philanthropic and entrepreneurial initiatives. These include impact investment and development projects in Africa, as well as long-term philanthropic partnerships with internationally active NGOs. He has also established, managed and further developed several foundations and initiatives.
Prior to this, Grünenfelder spent around ten years working at UBS and Credit Suisse. At UBS, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of UBS Switzerland. His responsibilities included, amongst other things, managing business and philanthropy mandates, as well as governance and communication. At Credit Suisse, he held various roles in risk, governance and regulatory/governmental affairs in Zurich, Singapore and Hong Kong.
With this new role, Grünenfelder is returning to his alma mater. He studied political science at the University of St. Gallen and later obtained a PhD in political science and political economy, focusing on sovereign wealth funds and political risks. Even after completing his studies, he remained closely connected to HSG through the alumni clubs at his various postings abroad.
He is particularly looking forward to his new role and engaging with the HSG community: “Working on behalf of my alma mater and its excellence is both an intellectual challenge and a labour of love for me: the topic of ‘patient capital’ has been with me since my PhD. I am all the more delighted to continue the work of my predecessors and to shape the future of HSG together with alumni and friends – true to the motto: ‘HSG made by us!’»
Until Sandro Grünenfelder takes up his post, Sonja Fehr will continue to lead the HSG Foundation on an interim basis. As a long-serving member of staff, she knows the Foundation, its remit and its network inside out. During the transition period, she has taken on responsibility for the management of the Foundation in addition to her existing duties, ensuring continuity. The HSG Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to her for her tremendous dedication and commitment during this important phase. From 1 January 2027, Sonja Fehr will therefore take up the role of Deputy Managing Director.
“As a foundation, we have set ourselves ambitious goals to effectively support the University of St. Gallen. We are therefore all the more delighted to have a team comprising Sandro Grünenfelder as the new Managing Director and Sonja Fehr as his Deputy, a team that perfectly combines innovation and experience,” says Dr Paul Achleitner, President of the HSG Foundation.
The work of the HSG Foundation thrives on the support of people who feel a connection to the University and wish to support its development. Through their commitment, donors and funding partners enable projects and programmes that go beyond basic public funding. In doing so, they create additional scope for research and teaching and contribute to the University’s long-term development.
With Sandro Grünenfelder at the helm, the HSG Foundation aims to further strengthen this collaboration, nurture existing relationships and attract new supporters for HSG. At the heart of this is a shared goal: to create the conditions that will enable the University of St. Gallen to continue realising special projects and further developing its academic excellence in the future.
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